What happens when a global tech giant decides to become its own test subject? For IBM, it meant launching "Client Zero" - an initiative that proved AI isn't just a buzzword; it’s a multi-billion dollar efficiency engine.In this high-energy episode of Tipsy Technologists, Reshma Moorthy sits down with Joel Kelman, a 12-year IBM veteran and powerhouse within the North America Ecosystem team. Joel shares the unvarnished truth about the "school of hard knocks" in tech sales, his life as a 24-chicken wrangler, and how he’s helping the public sector navigate the most significant technological shift in a generation.We dive deep into how IBM used its own technology to save $3.5 billion in 2024, how Penn State is using AI to close equity gaps for marginalized students, and why "lowest price" in cybersecurity can often lead to the most expensive disasters.From protecting against "friendly fire" data deletions to the philosophy of listen-adapt-deliver, this episode is a blueprint for any CIO or leader looking to modernize without the vendor drama.🍷 In this episode, we cover:
- The Belonging Project: How Penn State University used IBM Watsonx to create a "student concierge" that helps first-gen students navigate university life and stay enrolled
- Cyber Resiliency vs. DR: Why your data center doesn't need to be hit by a tsunami to experience a disaster—and how to recover 70+ servers in hours, not weeks.
- The Client Zero Story: How IBM automated its own HR and IT support to save billions while refocusing humans on high-value, empathetic tasks.
- The Modern Tech Stack: A look at the IBM tools driving the next wave of IT modernization, from storage to observability.
- AI Ethics & Legislation: Why Joel is worried about "popular farmers" making tech laws and why industry experts need a seat at the legislative table.
ABOUT THE HOST:Reshma Moorthy is the CEO & President of Frontier Technologies, a cybersecurity-first IT modernization firm. She helps CIOs, CISOs, and federal/healthcare IT leaders modernize without the vendor drama. Whether you are a fellow founder or a government contractor, grab a glass of wine and join us for this insightful conversation.Don't forget to Like & Subscribe for more Tipsy Technologists!