ZAPTALK (Automation Unfiltered)

Discover the pitfalls and opportunities of AI in testing and automation.

Try AI in Automation for yourself now: https://testguild.me/TALKTOAZA

With industry veterans Costa, Joe Colantonio, and Alex Zap. This episode dives into real-world challenges and strategies to maximize ROI and AI adoption in your organization.

🔴 Why 95% of AI pilots are failing, according to the MIT study
🔴 How to choose the right use cases for AI implementation.
🔴 The evolving role of subject matter experts versus automation specialists.
🔴 Frameworks and approaches for successfully scaling automation with AI.
🔴 Overcoming fear and organizational barriers to AI adoption.

Guest Costa Avradopoulos

Costa is a seasoned industry expert with over 30 years of experience in software development, test automation, and consulting. He began his career as a developer in the early 1990s, transitioning into test automation and performance testing. Over the years, Costa has held leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies, including positions as QA Manager and QA Director. For the past 15 years, he has focused exclusively on consulting, working with major firms such as Capgemini and currently leading at EPAM Systems. In addition to his consulting work, he founded Mobile Labs, a product company that further solidified his reputation as a thought leader in the field. Costa is known for his keynote talks on AI feasibility in testing and has developed innovative frameworks, such as the AI Feasibility Framework, helping organizations navigate the evolving landscape of automation and artificial intelligence.

 🔴 Get Zapped. Try it for yourself: https://testguild.me/zappod

AI is already changing test automation and consultancy, but what does this really mean for the industry? 

Try AI in Automation for yourself now: https://testguild.me/TALKTOAZA

In this episode, industry experts break down the real impacts of AI on consulting, automation, and business operations—cutting through the hype to what's actually happening.

❇️ How AI is transforming and streamlining test automation, reducing the need for large consultant teams
❇️ The evolving role of consultants: what's uniquely human, and what AI truly handles better
❇️ Why traditional business models and approaches in testing and automation are shifting fast
❇️ The importance of transparency, efficiency, and trust—plus how AI tools like Zap Test fit in
❇️ Insights on the future landscape: leaner teams, entrepreneurial opportunities, and the shift from hype to practical solutions

Get the facts, skip the fluff, and see how automation is being redefined—right now.

Featured Guest:

Clint Sprauve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintonsprauve/

Jason Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonajordan/

 🔴 Get Zapped. Try it for yourself: https://testguild.me/zappod

AI is reshaping the world of software testing and automation—and it's happening faster than you think.

Try AI in Automation for yourself now: https://testguild.me/TALKTOAZA

In this episode of ZAPTALK, industry experts break down how AI is transforming workflows, careers, and the way organizations approach technology adoption.

❇️ How AI has evolved from its 1950s roots to today's mainstream applications and hype
❇️ The real impact of generative AI versus other, less-hyped AI algorithms in everyday tech
❇️ Why automation doesn’t eliminate jobs but shifts human roles toward more strategic functions
❇️ The changing skills needed for tech professionals in the age of AI—think prompt engineering, not just coding
❇️ The challenges and opportunities enterprises face in adopting new AI-driven tools and processes

Ready to get a direct, expert take on AI’s role in your tech future? 

Listen Now!

Featured Guest

Alex Sharpe is a distinguished advisor, educator, and speaker—a cybersecurity and digital transformation veteran with over 30 years of real-world experience. He started his career at the NSA, then built management consulting practices at Booz Allen and KPMG, and later co‑founded two successful firms, including one that merged with The Hackett Group.

Today, as Principal of Sharpe Management Consulting LLC, Alex helps large organizations and government agencies unlock productivity, launch new offerings and markets, and drive value—while keeping cyber‑risk in check. His firm has delivered over 100 successful projects, supported 20+ M&A transactions, and operates globally, combining strategic insight with hands‑on execution.

Academically, he teaches resilience at New York University and contributes to thought leadership through the Cloud Security Alliance, holding roles like Co‑Chairman of working groups and authoring operational frameworks around AI and Zero Trust principles.

 🔴 Get Zapped. Try it for yourself: https://testguild.me/zappod

Dive into the latest ZAPTALK episode as industry veterans discuss the evolution of automation, AI, and the future of testing.

Try AI IN Automation for yourself now: https://testguild.me/TALKTOAZA

Gain firsthand insights from pioneers who have shaped the software landscape and get a candid look at American innovation through their unique journeys.

📌 The journey from assembly language programming on punch cards in the 1960s to today’s AI-driven automation platforms
📌 Real talk on the practical benefits—and risks—of AI across different sectors, including healthcare and enterprise software
📌 How ZapTest AI is reinventing “record and playback” for modern business and empowering non-technical users
📌 The cultural differences in software innovation, and what made Mercury’s team and company ethos unique in the global tech world
📌 Honest advice for the next generation on adapting to rapid change, learning new skills, and seizing opportunities in the age of AI

Be sure to check the link below for a demo of ZapTest’s latest features and insights on staying ahead in the evolving world of automation!

This Weeks Guest

Onagh Ash is the Managing Partner of S&A (Mexico) and ONA LLC (Nevada). With over 40 years of experience, Onagh has played a key role in managing several software companies, working across technology, sales, marketing, and management consulting. This extensive background has allowed her to implement global solutions across diverse industries and countries.

Through this journey, Onagh became increasingly aware of the critical need for education and social change, especially for women and children. Today, she is dedicated to partnering with small nonprofits focused on empowering women and children through education. Her work aims to create meaningful social impact, helping communities grow through shared experiences, mentorship, and structured learning programs.

Onagh’s personal specialty lies in mentoring colleagues as they implement new business visions, guiding them to turn ideas into practical, impactful results. [Follow Onagh on LinkedIn]

 🔴 Get Zapped. Try it for yourself: https://testguild.me/zappod

Get ready to learn more about going from the Boardroom to QA: How AI is Reshaping Quality Leadership in 2026.

Talk with AI AZA Now : https://testguild.me/TALKTOAZA

In this episode of ZAPTALKS, Joe Colantonio joins Alex Chernyak for a high-stakes conversation with two industry trailblazers: Greg Ahern, a veteran C-level exec fluent in boardroom dynamics, and Anna Royzman, a QA visionary with deep experience leading quality teams through change.

Together, they explore the critical path from boardroom strategy to QA execution, especially as we head toward a 2026 climate of tighter budgets and rising pressure on AI productivity.

Greg reveals how executive teams shape expectations for delivery, KPIs, and spend — including how they now view AI-driven productivity as a baseline, not a bonus. He shares what board members want to hear from CIOs and how QA fits into broader strategic conversations.

Anna takes that insight and grounds it in the day-to-day reality of QA leadership. She unpacks how directors must now translate lofty executive goals into team-level actions — from justifying automation investments to rethinking test coverage strategies under shrinking head counts.

Key topics include:

-How C-levels define success in the AI era — and what that means for QA
-Tactics for aligning automation goals with evolving budget expectations
-Communicating QA impact in boardroom terms (value, risk, speed)
-The emotional and cultural shift QA teams face under AI pressure
-How to futureproof your QA org through automation-first planning

This episode is essential for QA leaders, execs, and tech strategists looking to thrive in a new era where AI isn’t optional, and outcomes must be immediate.

 🔴 Get Zapped. Try it for yourself: https://testguild.me/zappod

Are you curious about how AI is impacting quality engineering, automation, and the future of testing?

Talk with AI AZA Now : https://testguild.me/TALKTOAZA

In this episode, Joe, Alex, and Tatiana discuss practical strategies and real-world challenges facing tech leaders and testers as AI adoption accelerates.

• Tatiana shares her journey into QA, her perspective on Microsoft’s SDAT role, and why she’s stayed in quality for over two decades.
• Insights on the oversaturation of AI conversations and what still excites testers and event attendees about AI in automation.
• Honest discussion on the pressure for QA teams to do more with less, and how AI can both threaten and enhance tester roles.
• The rising importance of quality centers of excellence and how bridging business and tech silos with AI automation brings real value.
• Demo-driven feedback on ZAPTEST, from licensing to enabling non-coders, and what skills testers need to stay relevant as the industry shifts.

Tune in for actionable advice, industry trends, and bold takes on how to build a culture of automation in the age of AI.

 🔴 Get Zapped. Try it for yourself: https://testguild.me/zappod

Join AI expert Paul Grossman as he shares his insights on the future of automation.

Talk with AI AZA Now : https://testguild.me/TALKTOAZA

Automation transforms how we work and live, from streamlining business processes to revolutionizing industries.

But what's next for this rapidly evolving field?

In this exclusive interview, Paul Grossman reveals his predictions for the future of automation and discusses the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, and robotics. Get ready to discover the exciting possibilities and potential challenges that lie ahead as automation continues to shape our world. Tune in to find out what's next for automation and how it will impact your business and daily life.

About ZAPTEST

ZAPTEST revolutionizes the test automation game by leveraging AI to seamlessly wire test cases with automation code, streamlining the entire automation process. By integrating artificial intelligence, ZAPTEST eliminates manual coding dependencies, allowing QA teams and developers to create, execute, and maintain test scripts faster than ever. This innovation simplifies workflows, minimizes errors, and enhances the scalability of automation projects. With AI-driven automation, ZAPTEST empowers teams to handle diverse application types and environments effortlessly, ensuring higher efficiency and reduced time-to-market. This cutting-edge approach allows organizations to focus on delivering flawless, high-quality software without the bottlenecks of traditional testing methods.

Try AZA for yourself now: https://testguild.me/TALKTOAZA

About Paul Grossman

Paul Grossman is the Dark Arts Wizard of test automation. He is an independent consultant with 25 years experience as a Software Developer Engineer in coded and codeless solutions. He speaks at conferences sharing tips and live demo with a dash of humor. Paul also co-authored "Enhanced Test automation with WebdriverIO" with Larry Goddard.

Read Paul's book:
https://www.packtpub.com/en-us/produc...

Candymapper Challenge (Godaddy)
https://candymapper.com/

Candymapper Challenge (Wix)

 🔴 Get Zapped. Try it for yourself: https://testguild.me/zappod

The future of performance testing has arrived, and it's powered by AI.

⚡ Try AI in performance now:  https://testguild.me/ZAPTALKDEMO

In this  episode, we'll explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the world of software testing and performance automation Listen in to discover:

⚡ The significance of performance engineering and its impact on customer satisfaction.
⚡ Exploring the evolution and current trends in AI, IoT, and their integration in software testing.
⚡ Understanding the challenges and potential of incorporating AI into your testing processes.
⚡Insights into creating engaging, educational content to retain audience interest.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8-aTmYPvz2U?si=F5mbUedcV4Rjusun

⚡ About Scott Moore

With over 30 years of IT experience with various platforms and technologies,  @ScottMooreConsultingLLC   an active writer, speaker, influencer, and the host of multiple online video series. This includes “The Performance Tour”, “DevOps Driving”, “The Security Champions”, and the SMC Journal podcast. He helps clients address complex issues concerning software engineering, performance, digital experience, Observability, DevSecOps, DevPerfOps, and AIOps.

⚡ About ZAPTEST.AI

ZAPTEST revolutionizes the test automation game by leveraging AI to seamlessly wire test cases with automation code, streamlining the entire automation process. By integrating artificial intelligence,  @ZAPTEST-COM eliminates manual coding dependencies, allowing QA teams and developers to create, execute, and maintain test scripts faster than ever. This innovation simplifies workflows, minimizes errors, and enhances the scalability of automation projects. With AI-driven automation, ZAPTEST empowers teams to handle diverse application types and environments effortlessly, ensuring higher efficiency and reduced time-to-market. This cutting-edge approach allows organizations to focus on delivering flawless, high-quality software without the bottlenecks of traditional testing methods.

 🔴 Get Zapped. Try it for yourself: https://testguild.me/zappod

What is the Role of AI Agents in Next-Gen Software Testing?

🔴 Try AI in Testing for yourself: https://testguild.me/ZAPTALKDEMO

Join hosts Joe Colantonio and Alex (ZAP) as they explore AI's impact on software quality assurance with special guest Lee Barnes. Discover insights from industry veterans as they discuss trends, tools, and AI's impact on testing.

♦️ Lee Barnes shares his journey and insight into software quality assurance and automation.
♦️ The influence of Mercury on the automation industry and its lasting impact.
♦️ Navigating the balance between open source and vendor-based solutions.
♦️ The potential and limitations of AI in automation, including recent developments.
♦️ Alex's bold approach to technology adoption and transformation within the industry.

Watch video version on youtube now: https://youtu.be/dut6tWXhFU8

 🔴 Get Zapped. Try it for yourself: https://testguild.me/zappod

Join Alex (ZAP) Chernyak, Joe Colantonio, and David Moses in episode two of ZAPTALK, where they explore the evolving world of automation and AI and have insightful discussions on the latest tools and technologies.

🔴 Get Zapped. Try it for yourself: https://testguild.me/zappod

•  Full-time Zap experts assist clients with automation, reducing the need for technical personnel.
• The role of AI in creating automated processes.
• David Moses' journey in automation and his experience with ZAPTEST.
• Alex (ZAP) Chernyak's innovative approach to AI-driven automation and the advantages of ZAPTEST.
• Benefits of centralizing automation processes to boost efficiency and productivity.

About ZAPTEST

ZAPTEST revolutionizes the test automation game by leveraging AI to seamlessly wire test cases with automation code, streamlining the entire automation process. By integrating artificial intelligence, ZAPTEST eliminates manual coding dependencies, allowing QA teams and developers to create, execute, and maintain test scripts faster than ever. This innovation simplifies workflows, minimizes errors, and enhances the scalability of automation projects. With AI-driven automation, ZAPTEST empowers teams to handle diverse application types and environments effortlessly, ensuring higher efficiency and reduced time-to-market. This cutting-edge approach allows organizations to focus on delivering flawless, high-quality software without the bottlenecks of traditional testing methods.

About David Moses

Guest David Moses Software Automation evangelist and thought leader share his real world experience.  David has held pivotal roles with some of the world’s most recognizable brands such as, HP, T-Mobile, CNN.com, Playboy Enterprises, and Delta Airlines where he was the first leader to automate testing for delta.com and the Delta mobile app.

David’s work is always focused on creating efficiencies, particularly with automation and in developing DevOps environments.

His “wildly varying career path” covers a large area of the IT landscape including C-Suite Consulting, Strategic Planning, IT Infrastructure, as well as Portfolio, Operations, and IT Division Management.

An unconventional and engaging speaker, David has presented to IT and business audiences at international conferences on a wide range of topics.

 🔴 Get Zapped. Try it for yourself: https://testguild.me/zappod