Tech One, Two

AI is changing the way businesses operate, but are organizations truly prepared for the transformation?

In this episode of Tech One, Two by EMPIST, we sit down with Jason Mangold, Co-Founder of Wayfinder, to explore how businesses can move beyond simply adopting AI tools and start transforming the way they work.

Jason shares Wayfinder's journey, the importance of AI literacy, and why successful AI adoption starts with understanding and improving existing business processes. From agentic AI and digital twins to cybersecurity, governance, and organizational change, this conversation explores what it really takes to build an AI-ready business.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:

The Origin of Wayfinder: How an AI engagement group and developer apprenticeship program evolved into an AI-focused business. AI Literacy: Why businesses and educational institutions should encourage AI learning instead of simply restricting its use.

Agentic AI: Why transforming business processes must come before implementing AI solutions. Digital Twins: How real-time operational visibility can improve collaboration and eliminate unnecessary status meetings.

AI Governance and Security: The risks of shadow AI, disconnected tools, and exposing sensitive company information. The MSP Opportunity: Why managed service providers need to evolve into strategic AI transformation partners.

Managing Change: How leaders can overcome resistance and help employees embrace AI as a tool for higher-value work.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Jason Mangold is the Co-Founder of Wayfinder, an organization focused on helping businesses navigate AI transformation, improve processes, and gain greater visibility into their operations.

🎙️ Don't just adopt AI. Learn how to transform your business with it. Subscribe to Tech One, Two by EMPIST for more conversations about technology, cybersecurity, leadership, and the future of business.

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AI ISN’T AN IT PROJECT. IT’S A BUSINESS STRATEGY. What happens when AI stops being just another tool and starts changing the way your entire business operates?

In Episode 9 of Tech One, Two by EMPIST, Nick Stavropoulos breaks down the part of AI that many businesses aren’t talking about: rethinking outdated processes, moving faster, empowering employees, and redesigning how work gets done.

AI isn’t simply about replacing repetitive tasks. It’s about creating new opportunities for people to focus on higher-value work, make better decisions, and drive the business forward. But with greater speed comes greater responsibility. AI needs strategy, governance, and human oversight to truly create value. The future belongs to businesses that don’t just adopt AI, but rethink what’s possible because of it.

Watch Episode 9 and hear the full conversation with Nick Stavropoulos on Tech One, Two by EMPIST.

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What does it really take to build a successful business and a meaningful legacy?

In this episode of Tech One, Two, we explore the connection between sports, business, technology, leadership, and human connection.

From the discipline and grit learned through sports to using AI to create more meaningful time, the conversation highlights why systems, critical thinking, communication, and relationships remain essential in business.

We also dive into how technology is transforming regulated industries, why human judgment still matters, and the importance of building genuine connections through community and experiences like golf.

Most importantly, the conversation comes back to a simple philosophy:

Legacy isn't defined by money or possessions. It's defined by character, how you treat people, and doing the right thing when nobody is watching.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How sports teach discipline, grit, leadership, and resilience

#TechOneTwo #EMPIST #Leadership #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Technology #HumanConnection #CustomerExperience #Community #Integrity #Legacy #Innovation #TechPodcast

What does it take to build a restaurant brand that lasts for decades?

In this episode of Tech One, Two, Steve Lombardo, CEO of Gibsons Restaurant Group, shares the story behind the company his father founded nearly 37 years ago and the lessons that have shaped its growth, culture, and approach to hospitality.

From building a strong service culture and developing talent from within to navigating technology, forecasting, cybersecurity, and family business succession, this conversation explores what it really takes to build and protect a lasting business.

In this episode, we discuss:

🍽️ The Story Behind Gibsons Restaurant Group

🤝 The Philosophy of Hospitality

👥 Building Culture & Developing Talent

💻 Technology in Restaurants

📊 Forecasting & Business Decisions

🔐 Cybersecurity & Business Risk

This episode is a conversation about entrepreneurship, hospitality, leadership, technology, cybersecurity, and building a business that can stand the test of time.

🎙️ Watch the full episode and subscribe to Tech One, Two for more conversations on technology, business, leadership, and innovation.

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AI isn't the threat. How it's used is.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way businesses operate, but it's also changing the cybersecurity landscape. From convincing deepfakes to sophisticated phishing attacks, cybercriminals are leveraging AI to create smarter, faster, and more damaging attacks than ever before.

In this episode of Tech One, Two, we explore the growing risks businesses face in the age of AI and why a strong cybersecurity strategy is no longer optional. Learn how organizations can protect themselves, prepare their teams, and build a secure foundation for long-term growth.

✔️ How AI is transforming cybersecurity for both defenders and attackers

Whether you're a business leader, IT professional, or simply interested in the future of AI, this episode offers practical insights to help you stay ahead in an increasingly digital world.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future conversations on technology, cybersecurity, AI, and digital transformation.

What if the answer to poverty, homelessness, and inequality starts with something as simple as a book?

In this inspiring episode of Tech One, Two, Brian Floriani , Founder of BUKU Branded, shares the story behind Bernie's Book Bank and his mission to help children read their way to a better life. From launching the organization with a $5,000 credit card investment in a garage to building one of the nation's most impactful literacy initiatives, Brian reveals the mindset, resilience, and purpose required to create lasting change.

In this episode, you'll learn:

-Why literacy is the foundation for opportunity

-How nonprofits can be run with business principles and measurable impact

-The importance of finding your "why"

-Why growth only happens outside your comfort zone

-How technology helps scale mission-driven organizations

-Why obsession can be a superpower when attached to a meaningful cause

As the Founder & CEO of EMPIST, John Kampas has spent over 20 years helping businesses reach their potential through smart, secure technology solutions in managed IT, cloud, and cybersecurity. Based in the Chicago area, he brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective from leading a full-service technology firm that supports organizations across industries. On Tech One, Two, John’s mission is simple: make sense of tech S#I.T. and give business leaders practical, jargon-free insight they can use right away. If you're an entrepreneur, leader, nonprofit professional, educator, or anyone looking to make a difference, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, innovation, technology, cybersecurity, AI, entrepreneurship, and business growth.

While you’re listening:

- Follow EMPIST and John Kampas on LinkedIn to stay plugged into new episodes, tech insights, and behind-the-scenes content.(https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kampas)

- Connect with Brian Floriani on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfloriani)

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Tech One, Two is back, and this one is for every business leader who’s wondering if AI is about to run the world—or run them over. On this episode of the Tech One, Two Podcast, an EMPIST production, Founder & CEO John Kampas sits down with IT industry icon Rob Rae for a fast-paced, no-fluff conversation about the future of technology, AI, and cybersecurity. They unpack why getting up to date with technology is a choice: are you going to be the asteroid or the dinosaur in your industry? From AI “taking over the world” to the very real threats facing today’s businesses, John and Rob break down what IT leaders, MSPs, and business owners actually need to know right now. They dig into why managed IT, cloud, and rock-solid cybersecurity are now mission-critical to growth, not just “nice-to-have” insurance. You’ll hear straight talk on:

And yes, they have fun with it—this is tech talk with personality, not a dry lecture. As the Founder & CEO of EMPIST, John Kampas has spent over 20 years helping businesses reach their potential through smart, secure technology solutions in managed IT, cloud, and cybersecurity. Based in the Chicago area, he brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective from leading a full-service technology firm that supports organizations across industries. On Tech One, Two, John’s mission is simple: make sense of tech S#I.T. and give business leaders practical, jargon-free insight they can use right away. Rob Rae is a true IT channel legend, currently serving as Corporate Vice President of Community and Partner Experience at Pax8, where he helps build powerful ecosystems that support MSPs and IT partners worldwide. With more than 25 years in IT hardware, software, and cybersecurity, Rob is known for his high-energy presence, community leadership, and ability to turn complex tech trends into actionable strategy for service providers and their clients. His work advising cybersecurity and MSP-focused companies keeps him at the center of where IT, AI, and security are headed next. If you care about where AI, IT, and cybersecurity are taking your business next, this is an episode you don’t skip. Hit subscribe to the Tech One, Two Podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode with top tech leaders, MSP experts, and innovators reshaping how business gets done. While you’re listening:

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Tech One, Two is back with a powerhouse conversation at the intersection of technology and digital marketing innovation. EMPIST Founder & CEO John Kampas sits down with Logical Media Group’s CEO Chris O’Neill and Vice President Kevin Hughes to break down how they’re using AI, data, and bold strategy to zig while everyone else is zagging in the digital landscape.

In this episode of the Tech One, Two Podcast presented by EMPIST, John Kampas – Founder & CEO of EMPIST, a leading managed IT, cloud, and cybersecurity partner for growing businesses – hosts Chris O’Neill and Kevin Hughes from Logical Media Group, a full-service digital growth agency based in Chicago. Together, they unpack how technology and marketing are aligning like never before in history, and why brands that embrace both are the ones pulling away from the pack.

Chris shares the Logical story as a long-time digital leader, from scaling a boutique SEO and PPC shop into a Google Premier Partner that delivers full-funnel growth strategies across paid media, SEO, web design, creative, and analytics. Kevin brings the perspective of a VP who’s led account management and now oversees the agency’s global direction across product and revenue, focused on building integrated strategies that actually move the needle for clients.

They reveal “HARRY,” Logical’s in-house HR AI agent built when their Director of HR went on maternity leave—a copilot trained on their HR handbook that now fields internal HR questions in real time, saving 15–20% of HR’s time while improving onboarding and employee experience. The team walks through how they architected HARRY on Google Cloud, connected it to an LLM, and why they view AI as operational infrastructure, not a gimmick. 

From there, the conversation turns tactical: how digital marketing is changing in 2026, what’s really happening with SEO, and why ethical, strategic search and content still sit at the core of long-term growth. Chris and Kevin break down how they’re integrating AI into paid search, creative, and reporting, how Performance Max and automation are reshaping PPC, and why the best agencies are combining human strategy with machine intelligence—not replacing one with the other. 

John ties it all back to the technology foundation needed to support this pace of innovation: secure, modern IT, cloud, and cybersecurity that protect businesses while enabling them to scale. You’ll hear how EMPIST’s 25 years in managed IT and security intersect with Logical’s aggressive digital marketing playbook to create a blueprint for companies that want to grow faster, safer, and smarter. 

If you’re a founder, CMO, or IT leader trying to make sense of AI, SEO, and the future of digital growth, this episode is a masterclass in how to build a truly modern go‑to‑market engine. 

IT'S ALL INSIDE-

- How technology and marketing are converging into a single growth engine for modern brands. 

- The origin story of Logical Media Group and how Chris built it into a full-service, award-winning digital agency. 

- How HARRY, Logical’s HR AI agent, was built, what it does, and the measurable impact it’s had on HR efficiency and employee experience. 

- What’s changing in SEO and why ethical, strategic search still drives compounding returns for brands that invest in it. 

- How AI and automation are reshaping paid search, analytics, and creative—and what that means for marketing leaders. 

- Why EMPIST’s cybersecurity, cloud, and managed IT capabilities are critical to supporting this level of digital experimentation and scale. 

WHO ARE THESE EXPERTS???  

- John Kampas is the Founder & CEO of EMPIST, leading the company for more than two decades as it delivers managed IT, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions that reduce risk, cut costs, and drive business growth. EMPIST has been recognized repeatedly for its growth and performance, including multiple appearances on the Inc. 5000 list. 

- Chris O’Neill is the CEO of Logical Media Group, a Chicago-based full-service digital advertising agency specializing in SEO, PPC, paid social, web design, and creative for fast-scaling brands, and has led the agency for nearly 20 years. Under his leadership, Logical has become a certified Great Place To Work for six consecutive years, reflecting a strong culture alongside strong performance. 

- Kevin Hughes is the Vice President at Logical Media Group and previously led Account Management, responsible for post-sale client relationships, renewals, upsells, and ensuring clients hit their marketing objectives, before stepping into a global leadership role across product and sales.  

- EMPIST website: https://empist.com 

- Logical Media Group website: https://logicalmediagroup.com 

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