You've Been Heard

Aaron Katske is the Vice President of Information Technology at Velo3D, a leader in metal additive manufacturing. With over 15 years of experience, Aaron oversees IT strategy, security, infrastructure, and applications. He has led high-performing teams in various industries including software and manufacturing and is passionate about the revolutionary possibilities of 3D printing and transforming the future of manufacturing. Outside of work, he enjoys scuba diving adventures and exploring the underwater world.

What does it take to transform manufacturing with 3D printing? How is the landscape evolving? In this podcast, we explore these questions and more in an engaging discussion with additive manufacturing leader Aaron Katske. Drawing on over 15 years of experience, Aaron provides perspectives on aligning IT with business goals, assembling top talent, and gaining stakeholder buy-in during rapid growth. Expect a view on the past and future of manufacturing as we cover topics like leveraging technology for strategic impact, hiring the right people for challenges, and visualizing the role you want. No matter where you are in your IT leadership journey, you will gain valuable lessons on maturing organizations and influencing executives from Aaron’s insights. Tune in for a compelling look at how to drive innovation and build high-performing teams.

Steve Cicco is a passionate IT leader with over 20 years of experience driving technology strategy and execution. His dedication to understanding business objectives and commitment to learning new skills have enabled him to sustain engagement across diverse roles and responsibilities over his lengthy tenure in the industry. An avid lifelong learner and puzzle-solver, Steve finds fulfillment in leveraging his extensive tool belt of knowledge to streamline processes and make jobs easier for colleagues through technology innovation and automation.

In this engaging conversation with IT Director at Transitions Optical Steve Cicco, we explore the evolution of his technology career and keys to sustaining passion over the long run. Steve offers insightful perspective, drawing from over 20 years of experience across manufacturing, sales, marketing and business intelligence roles. He discusses pragmatic approaches like maintaining a learning mindset, understanding business objectives, and building systems for supportability. Steve also provides thoughtful forecasts on trends like automation and conveys the expanding role of IT professionals as business partners. Tune in for practical, forward-thinking insights from Steve’s diverse IT journey so far.

Kenny Mullican is an experienced IT leader and CIO at Paragon Films, guiding the company’s technology strategy for over a decade. With a diverse background spanning global experience in the Middle East, coding, startups and enterprise roles, Kenny brings a blend of technical prowess, business acumen and people skills. He believes in mentoring others and maintaining humility when positions change. Kenny is a lifelong learner who turns challenges into growth opportunities.

What skills does it take to effectively lead an IT organization through constant change? How can CIOs guide their teams through ups and downs? We explore these questions and more with IT executive Kenny Mullican. Drawing on over two decades of diverse IT experience, Kenny shares perspectives on maintaining humility and confidence as a leader, overcoming adversity, and focusing on continuous growth. Expect a view on where he’s been, the challenges he faced, and advice for aspiring leaders as we cover enduring setbacks, expanding skills, and shifting mindsets.

Justin Mealer is IT Manager at Impulse Space, a startup focused on space logistics and transportation. His journey began hacking his school’s network at age 12, before becoming one of the youngest IT managers in his region. Justin’s passion for learning has fueled his rapid rise, along with his knack for crafting compelling sci-fi stories. Justin is helping transform space transportation by building IT systems for rocket ships and embodies creative thinking and tenacity to chart his own path to success.

In this engaging discussion, we delve into the evolution of IT infrastructure and the expanding role of the IT professional. Our guest Justin brings insightful perspective, drawing from his space startup experience to discuss maximizing first call resolution and owning the user experience. Justin offers practical tips for starting with frameworks like ITIL but customizing processes for your environment. He sees constantly learning and seeking knowledge as vital for emerging leaders. Looking ahead, he provides thoughtful forecasts on how exciting technologies like AI may shape space IT roles in the years ahead. Tune in for practical, forward-thinking insights from Justin’s diverse IT journey so far.

Fred Donatucci is an accomplished IT leader with over 25 years of experience driving business transformation and change. His passion for technology started early with his first computer, an Apple IIe. Fred went on to study economics and philosophy, combining his interests in business and technology. He has led IT teams and projects at global companies including Mattel, Honeywell, and Avery Dennison. Known for solving complex challenges, Fred utilizes his breadth of business and technology knowledge to create IT solutions that drive value.

What does it take to become an effective IT leader? How has the role evolved over the years? In this podcast, we tackle these questions and more in an insightful chat with IT pro Fred Donatucci. Drawing on over two decades of experience, Fred shares perspectives on transitioning to management, integrating systems after mergers, and witnessing seismic technology shifts. Expect a view on where IT leadership has been, the challenges leaders face today, and advice for the future as we cover lessons around courageous conversations, letting go of the past, and continuous learning.

Jason Metzger is an IT Manager at AC Corporation in Greensboro, North Carolina. With over 15 years of experience in IT administration and leadership roles, he is passionate about managing teams with empathy, respect, and humility. Originally from Philadelphia, Jason was inspired by his father’s decades of honorable service in law enforcement. He started his technology journey in the 1990s on an old 486 PC, asking questions and taking apart anything he could. Jason aims to create a positive environment for his team and smoothly guide changes by building trust and communication. He lives by the creed “be kind, be respectful, be humble” when it comes to leadership.

In this engaging discussion, we delve into the unique path Jason Metzger, IT Manager at AC Corporation has taken to IT management and leadership. Our guest Jason brings insightful perspective, drawing from his experience transitioning into official management roles after years of leading teams unofficially. Jason offers practical tips for mentoring with empathy, admitting mistakes to build trust, and staying humble as a leader – areas he sees as vital for effective IT management. Looking ahead, he provides thoughtful anecdotes about earning respect through clear communication and smoothly introducing change to modernize legacy systems. Walk away with actionable tips on being a better leader through consistency, kindness, and respect.

Joshua Smallman, Manager of IT Operations for ModSquad is an IT professional with over 15 years of experience spanning network engineering, cybersecurity, and more. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, he began developing specialized skills in cybersecurity while working for the government’s Ministry of Education. Joshua runs a popular YouTube channel focused on IT topics and cyber security training. He aims to make complex technical subjects accessible through clear explanations.

What does it take to navigate the constantly evolving cyber landscape? How have cyber threats and defense strategies changed over the past decades? We explore these questions and more in an engaging discussion with cybersecurity expert Joshua Smallman. Drawing on over 15 years in IT and security, Joshua provides insightful perspectives on the key milestones that have shaped cybersecurity. Expect a view on cyber’s origins, the escalating attacks we face today, and practical advice for the future as we cover early viruses, the emergence of ransomware, AI’s dual impact, and tips to strengthen defenses. No matter where you are on your cybersecurity journey, you will take away valuable lessons on the progression of threats and how to protect yourself in the age of ubiquitous technology risks.

With decades of experience in government and private sector cybersecurity, Chris Roberts serves as an influential voice for IT leaders seeking to manage risk and drive real change. His unique perspective stems from time in the military combined with high-impact work as an offensive security expert. Chris leverages his extensive technical expertise and passion for communication to guide clients on improving maturity, optimizing risk, and achieving operational resilience.

In this compelling conversation, we explore critical issues facing modern IT leaders. Our guest Chris Roberts provides unique perspective, drawing from his extensive cybersecurity experience to discuss evaluating risk, establishing visibility, and choosing the right partners. You’ll discover proven methods for evaluating your security posture and partnering with key vendors to drive meaningful change. Whether you lead a small firm or a large enterprise, this conversation provides actionable steps you can take to strengthen security, align teams, and build a culture of resilience. Expect candid insights from a pioneering hacker along with memorable stories that reveal why empowering your most important assets – people – is the key to cyber preparedness and operational excellence.

Glenn Hasteadt is a transformational IT leader focused on building high-performing, people-centric cultures. With over 30 years of experience, Glenn specializes in developing empowered, engaged teams by caring about people first and technology second. His strengths-based leadership approach centers around psychological safety, collaboration, and career development. Glenn has successfully shifted mindsets from IT as a cost center to IT as a driver of innovation.

In this forward-thinking episode, we delve into transforming toxic IT cultures by leading with heart. Our guest Glenn brings an insightful people-first perspective, drawing from his experience revitalizing IT teams. He offers practical tips for building psychological safety through empathy, praise, and empowerment—areas he sees as vital for people-centric leadership. Glenn provides thoughtful forecasts on shifting IT’s role from a cost center to a driver of innovation by truly caring about your team.

Drew Harris is Field CTO at EVOTEK and an accomplished IT leader with over 25 years of experience spanning various industries. He previously led hyper-convergence and cloud initiatives at major hospitality and public companies. Drew specializes in infrastructure modernization, with a focus on performance, stability, and security. He enjoys mentoring the next generation of IT professionals through programs like Tech Impact.

What does it really take to move your infrastructure to the cloud? How can you make such a major transition while keeping systems running 24/7? In this podcast, we explore these questions and more with IT leader Drew Harris. Drew recounts his journey migrating a major Vegas casino to hyper-converged infrastructure, then going fully cloud for a public company. Drew shares the challenges faced and lessons learned in optimizing performance, stability and security during these complex projects. You’ll hear his tips for managing costs, refactoring apps, and getting visibility across cloud environments.