In this episode of The COVI Way, host Dave Vent sits down with Thomas Bray, COVI’s Senior Tier 3 Tech, to explore the often-overlooked connection between IT support and employee experience. While many organizations view IT as a break-fix department, Thomas reveals how a strategic approach to technology can unlock efficiency, boost productivity, and improve company culture.From onboarding to automation, hardware lifecycle management to cybersecurity, Thomas shares real-world stories of how IT goes beyond solving tech problems—it empowers people. When your team sees the company through a 15-inch screen, every glitch matters. And when tech works well, it disappears into the background and enables employees to do their best work.You’ll hear why IT should be involved earlier in decision-making, how small system changes can have big cultural impacts, and why security and usability must go hand in hand.🎧 Tune in to discover how to reframe IT as a business driver, not a cost center—and what that shift could mean for your people. Summary:COVI’s Thomas Bray joins The COVI Way to discuss how IT can go from reactive support to strategic empowerment. From smoother onboarding to better security and smarter automation, Thomas shares how technology—done right—helps teams thrive. If you’re only calling IT when something breaks, this episode will change your mindset.Key Quotes:“Every IT ticket is a consulting opportunity. There’s always a deeper business problem behind it.”“The best tech disappears—because it’s doing exactly what it should.”“Employees experience your company through a 15-inch screen. That experience matters.”“You don’t need the flashiest tools. You need the right tools that solve the right problems.”“IT has a birds-eye view of the business. When used strategically, it’s a force multiplier.”Chapters:• 00:00 – Welcome to The COVI Way• 01:10 – Why IT Is More Than Just Support• 03:45 – The “Light Switch” Mindset Problem• 07:05 – IT’s Role in Onboarding and Culture• 10:20 – Feedback From the Front Lines• 13:35 – Tech Pain Points That Never Get Reported• 17:50 – Fixing the Employee Experience With Better Tools• 21:10 – Hardware, Lifecycle, and Investment Gaps• 25:45 – Real-World Impact: Stories From the Field• 30:00 – Using Existing Tech in Smarter Ways• 33:20 – Smart Automation and System Integration• 36:50 – Why IT Should Be in Strategic Conversations• 42:00 – Security vs. Usability: Striking the Right Balance• 48:05 – Rethinking the Future of IT Support• 52:20 – Final Takeaways for Tech Decision Makers