Tech Talks Daily

Javed Khan, SVP and GM of Cisco Collaboration, joins me in a discussion about the world of Hybrid Work. Javed reveals the approach of Cisco Collaboration in leveraging AI to deliver unrivaled experiences for both organizations and contact center agents. We explore the impact of AI on teamwork, decision-making, and efficiency, transforming the very way we understand and approach work.

Javed also discusses the concept of the 'mobile office', giving us a glimpse into the future of work. He shares his vision of a seamless blend of technology and connectivity, where geographical boundaries cease to restrict productivity and innovation.

In addition, we delve into Javed's leadership at Cisco, where he previously ran Cisco's Cloud Calling business and led the Webex Meetings business unit. We learn about the strategy and transformative initiatives that have been the hallmark of his tenure, such as the development of a single meetings platform architecture and the modernization of the Webex experience.

Listen in as we explore the intersection of technology, work, and the future. If you are interested in the future of work, AI, or just curious about what comes next, you won't want to miss this episode.

I sit down with Ken Martin, the Managing Director of Global Sports, Media & Entertainment at Cisco. As the strategic advisor to the world's premier sports leagues, venues, and organizations, Martin has been a key player in transforming the digital landscape of stadiums globally, setting the pace for the future of fan experiences.

From pioneering video delivery in stadiums 15 years ago to architecting high-density Wi-Fi and IP Fabric for broadcast, Cisco is now at the forefront, enabling more than 460 stadiums worldwide to deliver personalized, immersive experiences to their audiences. With advanced technologies such as AI, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and dynamic security tools, Cisco is revolutionizing the guest and fan experiences by enhancing convenience, customization, and personalization.

During the podcast, Ken will share insights on how Cisco's technology underpins the infrastructure of the most technologically advanced venues, such as SoFi, State Farm, and Allegiant Stadiums, which hosted the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Super Bowls. He will also shed light on the integral role of Cisco's networking technology in powering the biggest events, including Super Bowl LVII and upcoming grand events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games.

Moreover, we'll delve into Cisco's partnerships with organizations like the NFL to ensure enterprise-level security. From handling 100 million DNS requests and blocking 200,000 of them during the 2023 Super Bowl to analyzing 800,000 suspicious files using secure Malware analytics, Cisco's role in cybersecurity is extensive.

Ken Martin will also reveal how Cisco's technology, such as Cisco Secure Firewalls, Umbrella, and Secure Malware Analytics, is utilized to aggregate intelligence feeds that are integral to threat hunting and monitoring.

This is a must-listen episode for all tech enthusiasts and sports fans curious about the future of sports entertainment and the massive digital transformations behind the scenes. Join us to discover how technology is transforming the global sports, media, and entertainment industries.

On this episode of Tech Talks Daily, we're coming to you live from the bustling show floor of Cisco Live in Las Vegas. Our focus today is on the evolution of technology adoption in the public sector, a field traditionally seen as lagging behind its private counterparts. We're busting myths and challenging stereotypes as we delve into the intriguing world of public services, proving that they are, indeed, keeping pace with the digital world.

Our special guest is Brad Walsh, Lead Program Manager for Application Performance Management at the Indiana Office of Technology. Brad offers unique insights into the current technological shift in the public sector and reveals how governmental organizations are not just catching up, but in some areas, leading the charge in implementing cutting-edge solutions.

We're shining a spotlight on Cisco's Full-Stack Observability (FSO), a game-changing solution that provides end-to-end visibility across applications, infrastructure, and network layers. This powerful tool can transform IT operations and enhance overall business performance, boasting benefits like improved visibility, faster problem resolution, increased collaboration, scalability, and heightened security.

But what does this look like when applied in the real world? How can it truly revolutionize public services and raise public expectations from government services? Brad Walsh will share his firsthand experience with the Cisco FSO and will reveal how this tech solution is transforming operations at the Indiana Office of Technology.

Tune in for an eye-opening discussion about the future of public sector technology, straight from the heart of Cisco Live. We're breaking down barriers, shattering misconceptions, and bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. Don't miss out!

I sit down with Gabriele Columbro, General Manager of Linux Foundation Europe (LF Europe) and Executive Director of Fintech Open Source Foundation (FINOS), to dissect the geopolitics of open source and the dynamic growth of LF Europe.

We kick off by understanding why a regional foundation like LF Europe is vital in the ever-evolving global landscape of open source. Gabriele provides fascinating insights into the rapid growth of LF Europe, which has amassed over 100 members in just 8 short months. We then delve into the instrumental role of the public sector in Open Source Software (OSS) sustainability and its potential to elevate the open-source community.

Our discussion then veers towards the implications of the Cyber Residency Act (CRA), the intricacies of open-source policy, and the pressing need for liability clarity for open-source contributors and commercial entities. We also touch upon the recent launch of the Linux Foundation Europe Advisory Board (LFEAB), aiming to define priorities, foster new collaborations, and expand the open-source community across Europe.

Furthermore, we explore the 2023 Global Spotlight Survey, reflecting on the significant findings from the previous year's survey that have influenced LF Europe's operations. Lastly, Gabriele shares exciting glimpses into the upcoming Linux Foundation Europe Member Summit scheduled in Spain, which will revolve around hot topics such as collaboration between the public and private sector, upcoming projects, and the role of LF Europe in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Don't miss out on this intriguing conversation with Gabriele Columbro as we delve into the geopolitics of open source, discuss pivotal community and policy matters, and unveil what lies ahead for the Linux Foundation Europe.

On this episode of Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I am excited to host Ashley Skyrme, a notable figure from Accenture. Ashley plays a pivotal role in shaping Accenture's cloud strategy and has recently been involved in their latest report, "The race to cloud: Reaching the inflection point to long sought value."

During our engaging conversation, Ashley sheds light on how the cloud market is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Our discourse delves into the report's findings that reveal cloud commitment is no longer optional but has become a business mandate. An astonishing 86% of companies report ramping up the scope and volume of their cloud initiatives since 2020.

While cloud adoption shows promising progression, it's not without challenges. We talk about the persistent hurdles businesses face, such as security and compliance risks, the complexity of operational change, and how a few early adopters have managed to overcome these barriers to unlock the true value of their cloud investments. Ashley generously shares some success stories, strategies, and best practices that have worked for companies, providing listeners with valuable insights and solutions.

Our conversation also includes a future-forward perspective as we discuss the upcoming trends in cloud adoption. Ashley explains the strategic shift towards reinventing the digital core, sustainable cost transformation, and the importance of AI-centric and industry-specific cloud investments.

In this episode, we don't just scratch the surface but deep dive into the current state of the cloud market, its benefits, complexities, and how businesses can optimize their cloud strategies.

Sachin Duggal, the innovative mind behind Builder.ai joins me in a deep dive into the journey of making software creation as easy as ordering a pizza.

Sachin's experience with the arduous process of app development and the frustrations that came with it sparked the inception of Builder.ai. He was determined to create a platform where anyone, regardless of their technical knowledge, could bring their app ideas to life. Builder.ai revolutionizes software development by creating an AI-powered platform that transforms complex coding processes into a simple selection and customization task.

Listen in as Sachin dissects the world of low code and no code platforms, the limitations that these platforms possess, and how Builder.ai navigates through these challenges. They delve into the recurring barriers to entry in the software industry and explore how Builder.ai elevates its users' confidence in building software and ensuring successful outcomes.

Sachin shares insights on how his platform enables non-technical customers to build apps with the help of an AI assistant. The platform's unique approach allows clients to own the code and build anything within reason, making Builder.ai stand out in the crowd.

In addition, the duo discuss how Builder.ai reduces the risk of building the wrong product, automates the software production process and fosters a high return on investment by creating an expert network of developers and designers.

Discover how Sachin Duggal, a computer prodigy since his early teenage years, evolved from fixing a broken computer to founding one of the first cloud computing companies and eventually building Builder.ai. Get inspired by Sachin's remarkable journey from a passionate tech enthusiast to a World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer and Entrepreneur.com's Serial Entrepreneur of the Year.

Join me on this enlightening journey of transforming the landscape of software development. Learn how Builder.ai is reshaping the software industry and making it more accessible to the non-tech savvy community. Tune in and get inspired to bring your app ideas to life!

In this episode of The Tech Talks Daily Podcast, we explore the rapidly evolving AdTech and digital programmatic advertising industry with Mark D. Walker, the CEO, Co-founder, and Chairman of Direct Digital Holdings (DDH).

Mark unpacks how DDH, a burgeoning titan in the industry, continues to lead with its innovative technology platform that manages approximately 90,000 clients monthly, generating over 100 billion impressions per month across various media channels. Amid industry turbulence, this disruptive tech entity uniquely stands strong, continuing to grow and succeed.

Crucially, DDH isn't your typical AdTech firm. Comprising Huddled Masses, Colossus SSP, and Orange142, DDH presents a unique ad ecosystem that offers services on both the ad-buy and ad-sell sides, a feature that most competitors lack. DDH has strategically positioned itself as a leader in programmatic advertising, emphasizing reaching consumers and publishers in mid-sized, multicultural, and under-represented markets, including those linked to gender, race, and sexual orientation.

On a prouder note, DDH carries the torch of being the 9th ever black-owned business to list on a US exchange (Nasdaq: DRCT), an accomplishment that Mark, who is well-versed in the complexities and potential of multicultural markets, holds with great pride.

In our conversation, Mark discusses a recently released whitepaper featuring noteworthy research findings indicating that, during a time of economic uncertainty, many brands are neglecting potential revenue and market share growth opportunities due to a lack of focus on Black, Hispanic/Latin, AAPI, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Mark offers actionable insights to address this issue.

This episode promises to provide a deep dive into the future of AdTech, the unique vantage point of DDH, and why this fast-growing company should be on everyone's radar. Stay tuned for this insightful discussion with Mark D. Walker, a trailblazer and advocate for diversity in the tech industry.

Guy Tytunovich is the founder and CEO of CHEQ, a leading security firm specializing in the elimination of bots, fake web traffic, and malicious users. Born from the minds of former members of Israel's elite intelligence Unit 8200, CHEQ is dedicated to shielding over 15,000 companies worldwide from damaging web activities that can significantly impact their bottom lines.

In our conversation, Guy unpacks the startling extent to which bots and fake traffic disrupt businesses, with a whopping 40% of all web traffic comprised of invalid users and bots. He illuminates how this trend sabotages marketing efficiency, skews data and analytics, and hampers on-site conversion efforts.

Guy brings the issue to life with real-world examples. We dive into CHEQ's findings, which reveal an astounding potential wastage of $658M annually in Twitter ad spend on bots and fake users. Guy also touches on the infamous bot attacks on Ticketmaster during Taylor Swift's tour sale, which led to site crashes and congressional hearings.

We explore the recent case of JP Morgan Chase, which suffered a $175M loss due to a fraudulent customer list during the acquisition of startup Frank. In the rapidly heating M&A landscape, Guy sheds light on how businesses can properly vet acquisition targets and steer clear of such pitfalls.

Join us for this insightful episode as we explore the hidden threats in the digital landscape and discuss how CHEQ, with its advanced cybersecurity measures, is paving the way for safer, more efficient business practices in the web realm.

Rusty Matveev, Chief Strategy Officer at Calaxy discusses the surge of investment in the creator economy and its implications in the world of Web3. The creator economy, predicted to hit a whopping $75 billion USD market worth by 2024, is set to revolutionize the traditional commerce sector and the way celebrities and influencers connect with their fans.

Calaxy is a next-generation social marketplace aiming to reinvent the creator-fan relationship, providing creators with a direct line of engagement with their fans, free from the confines of traditional social media conglomerates. With an impressive line-up of creators including NFL star Ezekiel Elliott, The Bachelor's Matt James, and singer Teyana Taylor, Calaxy is a prominent player in the creator economy.

Boasting over 15 years of experience in the emerging tech and startup space and a background in venture capitalism, Rusty is uniquely positioned to shed light on this thriving sector. He explores the shift in power dynamics within the creator community, the growing impact of NFT-powered commerce, and the potential of utility-driven NFTs.

In our conversation, Rusty and I delve into Calaxy's hybrid social platform that serves as a unique marketplace for creators, providing a storefront for direct fan engagement. We also touch upon the exciting potential the creator economy holds for its participants, with Rusty predicting that creators could earn millions of dollars daily through direct fan engagement.

Don't miss this episode for insights into the future of the creator economy, the transformative potential of Web3, and how platforms like Calaxy are empowering creators and revolutionizing fan relationships.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I host Heather Younger, a prominent keynote speaker, author, CEO, and Founder of Employee Fanatix and an all-around amazing human being. At a time when we are hearing about the importance of people in the tech industry and every business, I learned how Heather focuses on empowering leaders to value their people at work.

Heather shares the significance of active listening, a skill she explores in depth in her recent book and believes is crucial for a robust company culture, especially in today's hybrid work environment. Despite the wealth of communication, we talk about the frequent neglect of effective listening in workplace communication.

Heather shares insightful instances where a lack of customer listening led to unfavorable outcomes, highlighting the need to incorporate all voices in an organization and build a culture fostering connection and belonging. She discusses prevalent workplace myths and misconceptions, stressing the importance of uniting individuals from all tiers to drive superior strategies.

Echoing hope for the future, Heather cites examples of leaders starting to pay attention to inclusivity and implementing broad changes that could benefit their employees and the people they serve.

In conclusion, Heather and Neil discuss her new book, The Art of Active Listening, her Leadership with Heart podcast, and future plans for a workshop and certification program. This episode underscores the power of active listening in enhancing belonging, loyalty, profitability, and innovation, making workplaces more engaging and inclusive for everyone.