TechVibe Pittsburgh

What if building a global network connection was as easy as snapping together a few Legos?

That's the reality Megaport is creating. In this episode of TechVibe Radio, Jonathan Kersting sits down with Dave Tomassoni, Regional Director at Megaport, to explore how the company is reinventing connectivity through its Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) platform—giving businesses instant, flexible, and scalable access to the world's leading data centers and cloud providers.

From Pittsburgh's growing role in AI and data infrastructure to how Megaport can spin up a secure, high-speed network for an event like The Masters golf tournament in just minutes, this conversation shows how cloud connectivity is evolving for speed, efficiency, and innovation.

Key Takeaways:

• How Megaport's "Network-as-a-Service" model simplifies complex global networking.

• Why Pittsburgh's power, land, and fiber advantages make it a rising data hub for AI growth.

• Real-world examples—like short-term, high-performance networks built on demand.

• How Megaport's AI Marketplace is changing the way companies securely connect to AI providers.

• The importance of edge connectivity and reducing latency in the age of AI and robotics.

If you're a tech leader, entrepreneur, or innovator in Pittsburgh—or anywhere in the cloud ecosystem—this episode delivers a front-row seat to the future of connectivity. Learn how Megaport is helping businesses move faster, scale smarter, and stay secure in a world that runs on data.

What can earning a black belt in karate teach you about leading a global business team?

In this TechVibe Radio interview, CGI Senior Vice President Manoj Mishra sits down with Jonathan Kersting and Audrey Russo to explore the five powerful leadership lessons he's carried from the dojo into the boardroom. After six years of training, Mishra discovered that the discipline and mindset behind martial arts go far beyond physical skill—they build emotional awareness, humility, and resilience that define great leaders.

From staying centered under pressure to serving others before yourself, Mishra shows how karate's core principles can transform the way leaders inspire teams, make decisions, and grow personally and professionally.

Key Takeaways:

• Discipline fuels consistency — True leaders show up even when it's hard.

• Quiet confidence beats arrogance — Strength is best shown through humility.

• Servant leadership matters — Those with higher "belts" should lift others up.

• Respond, don't react — Emotional awareness keeps you calm and effective.

• Resilience is earned — Falling and getting back up builds lasting strength.

Hit Play to hear how one executive's journey to a black belt reshaped his leadership philosophy — and why the best leaders never stop being students.

The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe Radio to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation landscape.

It is true: sustainability is smart business!

In this episode of TechVibe, we sit down with Bhavani Patel, the Executive Director of Sustainable Pittsburgh, to talk all things sustainability and the exciting CEOs for Sustainability C-Suite Summit coming up on November 19th.

Why should you mark your calendar and be part of this impactful event? Here are a few key reasons:

• Inspiring Discussions: Hear from top leaders and changemakers about the innovative sustainability practices shaping not only Pittsburgh but the world.
• Peer Circles: Beyond panel discussions, dive into peer circles designed to spark dynamic conversations, catalyze insights, and foster connections on sustainability action across industries.
• Network and Learn: Whether you're a C-Suite exec or a practitioner in the sustainability space, the Summit offers the perfect opportunity to connect, share experiences, and gain actionable strategies for making sustainability a core part of your business.

Sustainable Pittsburgh isn't just improving the region—it's creating ripples that affect global sustainability efforts. Hit Play to learn more about this incredible summit and the work driving this forward-thinking organization.

Learn more an register here.

The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation ecosystem.

We're turning up the energy as we dive into the American Advertising Federation's Pittsburgh AdWeek—happening November 6th and 7th—an event that's gearing up to be a showcase of game-changing ideas and industry-leading innovation.

Joining us are three incredible guests:

• Dwayne Waite Jr., Associate Marketing Director at Shell Games and President of Pittsburgh Ad Fed, who's here to break down the magic of this must-attend AdWeek.
• Meesha Gerhardt, CEO of RedTree, a digital powerhouse specializing in websites that drive real results, ready to share insights from both the AdWeek and Tech Fest stages.
• Jon Meck, SVP of Marketing at Bonteous, a global leader in digital transformation, who's here to geek out with us on AI and the tech reshaping the future of marketing.

We're diving into how technology from AI to digital experiences is fueling marketing innovation you can't afford to ignore. Get ready for the ultimate conversation about creativity, strategy, and the future as we continue to celebrate our region's creative community and look to the future. The 2-day conference is filled with speakers covering a variety of topics. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to network with local and regional attendees. Register here.

The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation economy.

What if the next big leap in artificial intelligence doesn't come from bigger data or faster chips—but from mimicking the human brain itself?

On this episode of TechVibe Radio, Jonathan Kersting dives into a mind-bending conversation with Chris Paradise and Nick Retos of Digital Dynamics AI, a Pittsburgh startup building an AI system inspired by human cognition rather than classical algorithms. Their technology, called KARIOS, combines brain-like dendritic processing with simulated quantum computing to create what could be a whole new architecture for digital intelligence.

Paradise and Retos reveal how their approach departs from traditional large language models, why their AI can run on a fraction of the computational power, and how they're seeking validation from Carnegie Mellon University to prove their bold claims. Along the way, they discuss everything from biomimicry and energy efficiency to the ethics and trustworthiness of next-generation AI systems.

Key takeaways:

• How Digital Dynamics AI models the brain's structure to enable contextual understanding and autonomous reasoning.

• Why their simulated quantum processor could make advanced AI possible on small devices.

• The company's cautious approach to validation and why CMU's involvement could be a game-changer.

• The potential for AI that's lightweight, trustworthy, and powerful enough to change industries—from robotics to healthcare.

If you want a glimpse into the next frontier of artificial intelligence—and the Pittsburgh innovators daring to build it—this episode is a must-listen.

The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation ecosystem.

Technology and marketing have become inseparable — and no one understands that evolution better than Michelle O'Neill, Senior Director of Web Solutions & Delivery at Brunner. With 25 years at one of Pittsburgh's most innovative agencies, Michelle has witnessed every major digital shift — from the rise of the web to the AI revolution reshaping marketing today.

In this episode, Michelle joins TechVibe Radio to talk about Brunner's nearly 40-year journey staying ahead of the curve, how her team blends creativity and technology, and why constant learning has become essential in a world where yesterday's trend is already outdated.

Key Takeaways:

1. AI Is Changing Marketing — Fast. Michelle breaks down how artificial intelligence is redefining personalization, content creation, and customer experiences — and why marketers must treat AI as a tool, not a replacement for human creativity.

2. Adaptability Is Everything. There's no longer a "set it and forget it" approach in digital marketing. Michelle explains how Brunner continuously reassesses, rebuilds, and reinvents client strategies to meet new demands in real time.

3. The Power of Lifelong Learning. From reading 15 minutes a day to leading teams across disciplines, Michelle shares how curiosity and collaboration keep Brunner — and her own career — future-ready.

Come away inspired by Michelle's perspective on leadership, mentorship, and staying human in an increasingly automated world.

Hit PLAY to hear how Brunner continues to blend technology and creativity — and why the best marketers today think like technologists.

The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe Radio to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation industry.

What if getting the care you need didn't involve weeks of waiting, endless paperwork, and frustrating back-and-forth with insurance?

We sit down with Dr. Timothy Law, Chief Medical Officer at Highmark, to explore how their new Gold Carding program is transforming healthcare delivery. By using technology and trust to remove unnecessary barriers, Highmark is helping thousands of doctors get patients the care they need — faster, smarter, and with less stress.

This is more than an efficiency story — it's a patient-first innovation that could become a model for the entire healthcare system.

Three key takeaways you'll hear in this episode:

1. How Highmark's Gold Carding program eliminates delays by empowering trusted physicians to bypass traditional prior authorizations.

1. Why this initiative is dramatically cutting administrative costs and reinvesting those savings back into patient care.

1. The powerful ripple effect on patient experience — from faster cancer treatments to less anxiety waiting for test approvals.

If you care about the future of healthcare access, this is one conversation you don't want to miss. Press play now to learn how Highmark's Gold Carding program is redefining speed to care — and why it's setting a new national standard.

What if your phone could actually make your family safer? In this episode of TechVibe Radio, The Tech Council's Jonathan Kersting sits down with Tim Huffmyer, the returning COO and CFO of Smith Micro, one of Pittsburgh's OG tech companies that's been innovating for over 40 years. Smith Micro might not be a household name, but their technology has likely touched your life—quietly powering mobile safety solutions used by major carriers across the world.

Tim dives into how Smith Micro's SafePath® platform is helping parents protect their kids in an always-connected world, how the company is reinventing itself through digital safety tech, and what it takes to keep evolving through four decades of innovation. He also shares his journey back to Smith Micro after taking another company public—and why this moment feels like the most exciting yet.

It's a conversation about tech with purpose, Pittsburgh's innovation roots, and how software can make modern family life a whole lot safer.

Hit Play to:

• Discover how tech meets parenting: Learn how Smith Micro's SafePath® platform is redefining digital safety for kids and families in today's hyper-connected world.

• Get insider insights from a seasoned exec: Tim Huffmeyer shares lessons from taking a company public—and why he returned to help lead Smith Micro's next chapter.

• See how Pittsburgh keeps reinventing itself: Hear how one of the city's legacy tech firms continues to evolve, innovate, and protect millions of users behind the scenes.

The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe Radio to explore the Pittsburgh region's technology and innovation economy.

It's been nearly a decade in the making, BlastPoint just announced a $10.6 Million round of venture investment from Mission OG out of Philadelphia.

TechVibe couldn't be more excited to welcome Alison Alvarez and Tomer Borenstein, co-founders of BlastPoint, to discuss this major milestone. They share their personal and professional journeys, the unique aspects of BlastPoint's AI solutions, and future organizational goals. Keep listening to gain insights into the challenges and rewards of building a tech company from the ground up here in Pittsburgh and the importance of community support in their success. Let's welcome Alison and Tomer to the show!

The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's tehnology and innovation industry.

What if the very foundation of today's AI models — the artificial neuron itself — was about to be reinvented, making systems dramatically faster, cheaper, and smaller?

Most leaders are pouring more data, GPUs, and money into existing neural-network designs, yet still face rising costs and energy demands. In this episode, Dr. Rory Brenner and Ralph Crewe of Perforated AI explain how their Carnegie Mellon–born approach updates 80-year-old AI assumptions and could open a "blue ocean" of innovation for anyone building their own models.

• Hear how Perforated AI's dendrite-inspired technology shrinks model size and cuts cloud costs by up to 38×.

• Learn why smaller, more efficient models could unlock true edge computing for AI applications.

• Discover how early adopters can partner with Perforated AI to pilot this paradigm-shifting architecture before it hits the mainstream.

Press play now to explore a groundbreaking way to build leaner, smarter AI models—and see how Pittsburgh innovators are leading the charge.

The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation industry.