Dive into exciting industry changes with Jason, our VCIO, and Sara, our customer relationship manager. We're gearing up for the 'Pop into Excellence' event on May 12, as Jason and Sara share their enthusiasm for their panel sessions and unique perspectives within the evolving design and dealership industries. Discover the innovative technologies and services like 'Aura Acceleration' that are transforming the workflow for designers, making their jobs more efficient and helping them achieve a better work-life balance. Learn about the impact of industry consolidation, the movement towards more consultative experiences, and hear promising future developments that support the design community. Don't miss this informative and engaging discussion!

00:00 Introduction and Event Teaser

00:36 Curating Unique Perspectives for the Event

02:21 Excitement and Advocacy for Designers

03:49 Industry Changes and Evolution

07:58 Supporting Designers with Aura Acceleration

13:23 Technical Innovations in Rendering

17:12 Adapting to New User Experiences

17:27 Engaging with Designers and Manufacturers

18:33 Future of Work for Designers

21:14 Investing in Vertical Markets

27:40 Empowering Designers with AI

29:17 Supporting Dealerships and Designers

35:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Our Tech for Business podcast, Todd, the COO and CSO, and Kelsey, the graphic designer and brand strategist, delve into the effective use of AI prompting tools like Microsoft's Copilot. They share personal experiences and practical applications, including quick-start strategies, campaign briefs, business communications, and the intricacies of crafting the perfect prompt. The conversation also touches on advanced prompting techniques, the importance of brand voice, and troubleshooting common AI errors. The future of AI, including the role of agentic AI and the potential for AI agents, is also discussed. Join us for an insightful discussion on leveraging AI to enhance productivity and creativity in business.

Resources:

• https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/prompt-like-a-pro-with-microsoft-copilot-in-teams/4141986
• https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftteamsblog/prompt-like-a-pro-8-tips-and-tricks-for-working-with-copilot-in-teams/4195028
• https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft_365blog/favorite-microsoft-365-copilot-prompts/4270282
• https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/introducing-agents-943e563d-602d-40fa-bdd1-dbc83f582466
• https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/learn-about-copilot-prompts-f6c3b467-f07c-4db1-ae54-ffac96184dd5

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

00:17 Creative Uses of AI in Business

01:39 Effective Email Communication with AI

06:02 AI's Role in Summarizing and Communication

07:47 Advanced Prompting Techniques

13:53 Personal and Brand Voice with AI

19:20 Building an Info Base for Brand Consistency

20:25 Leveraging AI for Efficient Data Management

23:39 Troubleshooting AI Hallucinations

27:28 Iterative Prompting Techniques

35:28 Future of AI and Agentic AI

40:27 Conclusion and Future Prospects

In this episode, Kyle, CEO & President, and Scott, the Director of Strategic Services, delve into the strategic initiatives that can drive significant impact for businesses this year. The discussion centers around the importance of cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for AI-driven endpoint detection, multi-factor authentication, and the transition from legacy VPNs to Zero Trust frameworks. Additionally, they explore the ongoing shift towards cloud services, the implications of AI on business processes, and the paramount importance of business continuity and disaster recovery. Whether you're looking to mitigate risks, ensure compliance, or align your IT strategy with long-term business goals, this episode offers deep insights and practical advice.

00:00 Introduction to Strategic Initiatives

00:25 The Importance of Cybersecurity

02:09 Advanced Cybersecurity Measures

02:58 Multi-Factor Authentication and VPN Replacement

06:38 Zero Trust and Legacy Systems

09:24 Cloud Migration and AI Integration

21:08 Business Process Changes and Continuity

24:48 Customer-Centric IT Strategy

32:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Tech for Business podcast, Todd, the COO and CISO, along with Ann, a Quality Assurance Analyst, discuss the complexities and compliance challenges businesses face with AI. They elaborate on the evolution of AI, regulatory frameworks, privacy concerns, and the ethical implications of using AI. They also provide insights on how companies can prepare for emerging regulations and share practical steps for implementing AI responsibly. As AI adoption accelerates, understanding these factors becomes crucial for staying compliant and maintaining ethical standards in business operations.

Resources:

https://www.scrut.io/post/eu-artificial-intelligence-ai-act

https://www.scrut.io/post/ai-compliance

00:00 Introduction to Compliance Challenges in AI

00:57 The Evolution and Waves of AI

02:35 Privacy and Security Concerns

05:34 Historical Context and Ethical Considerations

09:48 AI in Banking and Healthcare

21:01 Implementing AI in Compliance

23:12 Preparing for Future Regulations

29:52 Final Thoughts and Future Discussions

Todd (COO & CISO) & Nate (Director of Cybersecurity) delve into the intricacies of Zero Trust, focusing on its widespread adoption, benefits, and ROI for businesses. They discuss the transition from a default-allow to a deny-by-default security framework and explore how Zero Trust aligns with broader business goals like business continuity, risk reduction, and cost savings. The conversation also covers the cultural factors driving the need for Zero Trust, including the rise of threats like ransomware and the evolution of cybersecurity regulations. Additionally, they highlight practical steps to implement Zero Trust and measure its impact on operational efficiency and compliance.

Resources:

Traditional Zero Trust

Intermediate

Advanced

Optimal

00:00 Introduction to Zero Trust and Business ROI

01:52 The Rise of Zero Trust

04:31 Zero Trust and Business Continuity

11:16 Cost Savings and ROI with Zero Trust

16:18 Calculating the Cost of Security Solutions

17:20 Industry-Specific Cybersecurity Spending

18:17 The Importance of Vendor Security

18:54 Cybersecurity Insurance and ROI

21:19 Efficiency Gains with Zero Trust

29:41 Starting with Zero Trust for Maximum ROI

32:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Tech for Business podcast, Kyle (CEO and President) and Todd (COO and CISO) delve into the readiness of businesses for AI. They discuss various aspects such as understanding AI applications, assessing business needs, compliance, potential savings, and common misconceptions around AI. The conversation also touches on the importance of company culture, the people aspect of AI implementation, and the financial and regulatory considerations. This episode provides valuable insights and practical examples for business leaders looking to leverage AI in their operations.

Resources:

https://www.cit-net.com/unveiling-your-ai-readiness/

https://www.pymnts.com/news/artificial-intelligence/2025/90percent-of-cfos-report-very-positive-roi-from-genai-in-just-9-months/

00:00 Introduction to AI Readiness

00:44 Understanding AI Applications in Business

02:22 AI in Different Industries

05:27 Best Practices for Using AI

09:39 Managing AI Implementation in Organizations

14:05 The Future of AI in the Workforce

18:59 The Evolution of Careers: From Blacksmiths to AI

20:37 The Importance of AI in Modern Business

21:50 Assessing AI Readiness in Your Organization

23:15 Budgeting and ROI for AI Implementation

30:14 Overcoming Roadblocks and Compliance Issues

33:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Alex, the Assistant Director of Services, joins us to discuss the pressing issue of IT skills gaps. We delve into recent statistics, the impact of technology change, and the industry trend toward specialization. Alex shares first-hand experiences of these challenges in the field and explores the best ways for businesses and IT staff to address and navigate these gaps. We also touch on the essential role of managed service providers and internal training in staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Join us for an insightful discussion full of practical advice for IT staff and business leaders alike.

Resources:

https://www.skillsoft.com/blog/3-out-of-4-of-it-decision-makers-report-it-skill-gaps

https://www.comptia.org/content/research/assessing-the-it-skills-gap

https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS52128824

00:00 Introduction to IT Skills Gap

00:54 Understanding the IT Skills Gap

03:01 Causes of the IT Skills Gap

04:48 Addressing the IT Skills Gap

06:08 The Role of Managed Services

10:36 Training and Upskilling IT Staff

11:36 Advice for IT Admins

15:34 Future of IT and Managed Services

17:16 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Explore the fascinating world of workflow and automation with Cole, a power platform developer, and Kelsey, a graphic designer and brand strategist. Discover what excites them about creating workflows and automations and how these tools can reduce frustration and burnout in the workplace. Through engaging examples and insights, learn how to streamline marketing processes, manage data effectively, and implement user-friendly automation tools. Whether you're new to automation or looking to enhance your current systems, this conversation provides valuable tips and future trends in the field. Join us for an inspiring talk about making technology work for you!

Resources:

• Tools: Zapier, Power Automate, Pipefy, Unito, Workato, Custom GPTs
• Within your existing tech stack: Outlook, Project Management tools like Asana or Monday.com

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

00:28 The Excitement of Workflows and Automations

00:50 Cole's Perspective on Automations

02:46 Kelsey's Insights on Marketing Processes

04:31 Frameworks and Tools for Automation

12:04 Real-World Automation Examples

22:27 Challenges in Implementing Automations

26:51 Human Interaction in Automation

27:44 User Friction and Adoption

29:11 Getting Started with Power Automate

31:42 Practical Automation Examples

36:31 Future Trends in Automation

37:52 Documenting Processes for Automation

38:43 Employee Engagement and Automation

40:18 Marketing and Hyper-Personalization

43:16 Concluding Thoughts on Automation

Understanding the New HIPAA Cybersecurity Regulations: Insights and Implications

Todd, the COO and CISO, and Ann, a Quality Assurance Analyst, discuss the upcoming updates to the HIPAA cybersecurity rules. They provide an overview of the proposed changes, address common concerns, and offer practical advice for healthcare organizations, especially smaller practices, to stay compliant. The conversation touches on the anticipated financial impacts, the importance of audits, and actionable steps for improving cybersecurity measures. Additionally, they explore the potential implications for other industries and emphasize the need for continuous education and support in navigating these regulations.

Article referenced:

https://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities-threats/hipaa-security-rules-pull-no-punches

00:00 Introduction to HIPAA Cybersecurity Updates

00:22 Overview of HIPAA and Proposed Changes

01:47 Bipartisan Bill and Its Implications

02:21 Anne's First Impressions and Concerns

04:39 Discussion on Compliance and Regulations

11:05 Implementation and Auditing Challenges

14:23 Practical Steps for Small Practices

20:43 Physical Security and Final Thoughts

21:55 Conclusion and Future Outlook

In this episode, we delve into the relevance and implementation of DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) in today's email security landscape. The discussion covers how major organizations like Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft have started enforcing DMARC policies to combat spam, especially for high-volume email senders. We also explore the importance of continuous monitoring and the potential pitfalls associated with implementing DMARC improperly, including real-world examples highlighting the consequences. Join us to learn about the nuances of DMARC, from setting it up to ensuring seamless communication across departments, and why it is crucial for your organization's email security strategy.

Resources:

https://easydmarc.com/blog/dmarc-pci-dss/

00:00 Introduction to PCI and Podcast Focus

01:52 The Rise of DMARC in 2024

04:06 DMARC Implementation Challenges

09:17 Importance of Continuous Monitoring

12:38 Vendor Changes and Their Impact

18:30 Implementing DMARC: Tips and Pitfalls

31:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts