Tech Talks Network

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Channel • 8 Shows

Management

Management

Updated 27 May
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Updated 27 May

22/12/2025

Avanade on Preparing Organizations for a World of Stronger Cybersecurity Expectations

What does the UK’s new Cyber Security and Resilience Bill actually mean for mid-sized businesses that sit quietly inside complex supply chains, often assuming the rules are aimed at someone else? In this episode of Business of Cybersecurity, I sit down with Jason Revill, Global Security Practice Technology Lead at Avanade, to unpack why this legislation represents a genuine shift in how cyber risk will be judged, enforced, and felt across the UK mid-market. While much of the public debate has focused on critical national infrastructure, Jason explains why managed service providers and mid-sized firms are now firmly in scope, particularly those that underpin larger enterprises. Mandatory incident reporting, tougher expectations, and turnover-based penalties are changing cyber resilience from a technical concern into a board-level business issue. We explore why outsourcing cybersecurity no longer reduces accountability, even though nearly half of UK mid-market firms rely on third parties to manage their defenses. Jason shares real-world insight into how supply chain vulnerabilities are driving a growing share of breaches, why identity and access management has become a weak link, and how attackers increasingly exploit trust between organizations rather than technical flaws alone. The conversation also looks at the rising threat of legal action following breaches, with group claims against well-known UK brands signaling a wider shift in public and regulatory expectations. Crucially, this is not a fear-driven discussion. Jason offers a grounded perspective on how mid-sized organizations can move beyond checkbox compliance and embed security into everyday operations without grinding the business to a halt. We talk openly about cost, trade-offs, and why resilience planning only works when it is owned by the whole organization, not just the security team. For leaders heading into a new year facing tighter scrutiny and higher stakes, this episode offers clarity on what good looks like in practice and how to start building it. If cyber resilience is quickly becoming a license to operate rather than an optional safeguard, how prepared is your organization for the expectations that customers, regulators, and even the public are about to place on it, and what would it take to get ahead of that curve rather than react after the fact? Useful Links Connect With Jason RevillLearn More About AvanadeCyber Security and Resilience Bill Tech Talks Network is sponsored by Denodo

22/12/2025

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28 min
10/11/2025

From Startup to Scale: How Emanuel Pirker Built and Evolved Stratodesk into IGEL

What makes a startup founder stay inspired after years of building, scaling, and sometimes starting over? In this episode of The Startup Builders and Backers Podcast, Emanuel Pirker shares a founder’s journey that every entrepreneur can learn from. Recorded live at IGEL’s Now & Next event in Frankfurt, Emanuel opens up about the path from launching Stratodesk to becoming Field CTO at IGEL, where his vision continues to influence the future of secure digital workspaces. Emanuel reflects on how he built Stratodesk into a global player in Linux-based endpoint technology and the lessons learned along the way about scaling, product focus, and resilience. His advice for founders is refreshingly practical: stay obsessed with solving real problems, move fast when you fail, and never build technology for its own sake. We also talk about how IGEL’s acquisition of Stratodesk became a story of alignment rather than loss, showing how founders can successfully transition into leadership roles within larger organizations without losing their entrepreneurial drive. We also dive into how his leadership philosophy has evolved. Emanuel explains how letting go of control after the acquisition gave him the freedom to focus on what matters most: innovation and people. He describes how creativity thrives when leaders balance listening with action, and how this mindset now shapes his work bridging customer insights with product development at IGEL. It’s a story that reminds any founder that scaling isn’t just about growth—it’s about adapting how you lead. From AI-powered voice tools improving human connection to IGEL’s preventative security model, Emanuel illustrates how technology can both simplify and humanize work. His enthusiasm for building purposeful, people-first innovation remains undiminished after decades in tech. For startup founders, his journey is a reminder that reinvention never ends—it just takes new forms. If you’re a founder looking for real-world startup lessons about scaling, acquisition, and staying inspired through change, this episode is for you. What do you think helps a founder thrive after their company is acquired? Share your thoughts and join the conversation. Useful Links Connect with Emanuel Pirker on LinkedInLearn more about IGELFollow on LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTubeTech Talks Daily is Sponsored by NordLayer: Get the exclusive Black Friday offer: 28% off NordLayer yearly plans with the coupon code: techdaily-28. Valid until December 10th, 2025. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee.

10/11/2025

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22 min
04/09/2025

Building a Support Ecosystem That Drives Startup Growth

What if you could accelerate your startup’s growth with the combined power of AI, targeted mentorship, and a connected community? In this episode of Startup Builders and Backers, I speak with serial entrepreneur, investor, and technologist Paul Pluschkell, the founder of StartupOS, to unpack how their Launchpad platform is reshaping the way early-stage companies find their footing and scale. Paul shares lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey and explains how StartupOS helps founders refine their pitch decks, reach product-market fit, and assemble strong teams. We discuss how AI-powered tools can streamline investor readiness, surface strategic insights, and guide decision-making in ways that were previously out of reach for most startups. The conversation also explores the importance of surrounding founders with the right ecosystem — one that blends mentorship, investor access, and collaborative networks — and how accelerators, enterprises, and even universities can plug into the StartupOS model. Paul offers his view on where the venture space is heading over the next year and what that means for early-stage founders looking to break through. If you are building a startup and seeking practical, tech-driven ways to accelerate growth, this episode provides a blueprint for leveraging AI and community to drive success. ********* Visit the Sponsor of Tech Talks Network: Land your first job in tech in 6 months as a Software QA Engineering Bootcamp with Careerist https://crst.co/OGCLA

04/09/2025

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30 min
15/07/2025

Clari: Why RevOps Is the Hidden Weapon in Cybersecurity’s AI Arms Race

In this episode of The Business of Cybersecurity, I’m joined by John Queally, Senior Director of Revenue Operations at Clari, for a conversation that goes far beyond spreadsheets and pipeline forecasts. We explore why RevOps has become mission-critical for cybersecurity firms facing escalating threats, intense market pressure, and growing expectations around AI. John unpacks how cybersecurity leaders from Okta to Fortinet are rethinking the entire revenue engine to fund innovation, reduce friction, and stay ahead of attackers. We discuss the growing gap between AI ambition and data reality, and why 67% of revenue leaders are not trusting their data should be a wake-up call for anyone betting big on automation. From real-time prospecting and clean data infrastructure to unified cross-departmental collaboration, this is a masterclass in how operational strategy, not just security tooling, is shaping the future of cyber resilience. John also shares what it really takes to unify go-to-market teams, how RevOps is shifting from reactive reporting to proactive insight, and why the most powerful transformation starts with the "unsexy" work of cleaning up your data stack. If you’ve ever underestimated the role of RevOps in a tech-driven industry or dismissed data hygiene as someone else’s problem, this conversation will change your mind. 🎧 Listen in to learn: Why AI can’t fix broken dataHow cybersecurity firms are aligning ops, sales, and customer success in real timeWhat separates high-growth companies from those stuck debating dashboardsVisit Clari.com to learn more about the work John and his team are doing, or connect with him directly on LinkedIn. Ask ChatGPT

15/07/2025

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29 min
17/07/2025

The Red Cross Digital Emblem: A New Layer of Cyber Protection for Humanitarian Aid

For more than 160 years, the Red Cross emblem has protected humanitarian organizations in times of war. But as conflict increasingly moves into cyberspace, new protections are needed for digital infrastructure. In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, I speak with Samit D'Cunha, legal advisor at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), about the groundbreaking Digital Emblem Project. Samit explains how this modern emblem uses cryptographic certificates and DNS protocols to designate digital assets as protected under international humanitarian law. We explore the rise in cyberattacks on hospitals and humanitarian networks during armed conflict, and why creating a recognized, trustworthy signal of digital neutrality is now a moral and legal imperative. We discuss: How the Digital Emblem mirrors the protections of its physical counterpartThe technical infrastructure behind the project and how it ensures global applicabilityLegal, political, and diplomatic challenges in gaining global adoptionThe need for collaboration across governments, tech companies, and humanitarian actorsWhat comes next as cyberwarfare becomes a greater threat to humanitarian operationsAs the nature of conflict evolves, so too must the symbols that protect those who help others. This conversation is essential listening for anyone working at the intersection of cybersecurity, ethics, and international law.

17/07/2025

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30 min
11/08/2025

Groq and Cisco: Powering the Next Generation of AI Infrastructure

Recorded live at Cisco Live, I speak with Cameron Ferdinands, Director of Networking and Datacenter Engineering at Groq, about how the company is redefining AI infrastructure. We explore Groq’s software-first approach to AI hardware, its use of Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches, NX-OS, and Cisco Optics, and how this combination delivers faster AI inference, improved energy efficiency, and lower costs. From healthcare to autonomous vehicles, Cameron shares how Groq’s innovations are helping industries accelerate discovery and deploy AI at scale.

11/08/2025

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17 min
01/06/2025

Building Before You Launch? David Hirschfeld on Why That Might Be a Mistake

What if the biggest risk for startups isn't failure, but building the wrong thing too soon? In this episode of Startup Builders & Backers, I sit down with David Hirschfeld, founder of Tekyz Inc., to explore a different way of thinking about early-stage success. With more than 35 years in software and experience across over 90 startups, David shares what he has learned from both the wins and the missteps. At the heart of this conversation is the Launch First Method, a framework David created to help founders validate demand before investing in development. It is a strategy designed to reduce time, cost, and the need for outside funding, while dramatically increasing the odds of building something people actually want. We also dig into: How AI is reshaping the way software gets builtWhere automation helps and where it still falls shortThe key traits that define high-performing development teamsHow detailed artifacts like status reports and estimation tracking improve outcomesWhy successful founders fall in love with the problem, not the productDavid’s story spans decades of building, selling, and supporting software companies. He brings sharp insight and practical advice to anyone navigating the unpredictable path of early-stage growth. If you're starting a company or backing one, this episode will help you ask better questions and make smarter decisions from day one. Are you building what customers need or just hoping they show up? Let’s dig into that.

01/06/2025

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34 min
21/05/2025

GSK on Building the Google Maps of Human Biology With AI

What if AI could help us discover new medicines faster, more accurately, and with greater impact for patients? In this episode of AI at Work, I speak with Dr. Chris Austin, Head of Research Technologies at GSK, to explore how artificial intelligence is changing the way new treatments are developed. Chris brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of experience across academia, biotech, government, and now big pharma. His mission at GSK is clear: to bring science, technology, and talent together to radically improve human health. We unpack how AI, combined with massive clinical and genetic datasets, is enabling GSK to target disease with unprecedented precision. From identifying the right molecular pathways to simulating clinical trials using digital twins, Chris walks us through how technology is helping reduce development timelines and increase the chances of success. He shares powerful examples including a promising asthma treatment that moved from first-in-human testing to Phase 3 trials across four diseases in record time. We also explore how GSK uses AI to improve patient selection in clinical trials, design oligonucleotide-based therapies for hard-to-treat conditions like hepatitis B, and incorporate generative AI into everything from drug design to safety prediction. According to Chris, the key isn't just having better algorithms. It's about generating the right data, at scale, to make those algorithms meaningful. If you're curious about how AI is being applied to some of the most complex problems in healthcare, this episode offers a rare inside look. Chris also reflects on his journey from medicine to data science, and why this is the most exciting time he’s seen in drug development.

21/05/2025

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37 min
17/05/2025

Saving Driving in a Digital World: How Hagerty Is Blending Nostalgia with Modern Innovation

What does it take to keep a brand built on classic car culture relevant in a world of automation, electrification, and AI? In this special episode of Conversations from the Show Floor, recorded live at the X4 Summit in Salt Lake City, we explore the answer with Maggie Stafford, Vice President of People Insights at Hagerty. Best known for insuring collector cars, Hagerty has grown into something much more. Maggie explains how the company has evolved into a technology-enabled, community-powered lifestyle brand that serves more than 850,000 members worldwide. From grassroots meetups to high-profile events like Amelia Island Concours, Hagerty is creating space for car lovers to connect both on the road and online. In our conversation, we unpack how a $20 million investment in cloud infrastructure is helping Hagerty meet modern expectations without losing sight of its core mission. Maggie shares how hands-on programs like “Stick Shift 101” and employee drives in vintage cars shape a culture that mirrors its customers’ passion. The goal is not just about providing coverage, but about keeping the joy of driving alive for future generations. We also explore how Hagerty is navigating the shift toward digital service while maintaining personal connections. Maggie reveals how her small insights team is using feedback loops, data platforms, and smart tools to amplify member voices across the business. For brands wondering how to blend tradition with transformation, Hagerty offers a compelling example. This episode touches on culture, technology, loyalty, and the art of scaling without losing identity. It’s a story of how one company continues to celebrate the analog joys of driving while embracing the digital realities of today. Can nostalgia survive the next wave of innovation? Hagerty seems to think so—and they’re putting people, passion, and performance behind that belief.

17/05/2025

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17 min
20/04/2025

Avoiding Risk When Taking a Startup International

What should tech startups know before expanding beyond their home market? In this episode of Startup Founders and Backers, we explore that very question with Dr. Shan Nair, president of Nucleus and a pioneer in international expansion services. With a background that began in nuclear physics at Oxford and led to advising globally recognized names like Tesla and FaceTime, Shan brings a rare blend of analytical precision and hands-on business experience to cross-border growth. Our conversation covers the full spectrum of what startups must consider when scaling internationally. Shan outlines the most common expansion scenarios, including companies hiring their first overseas employee or those already present in multiple countries struggling to manage operations effectively. He explains how Nucleus provides a single point of contact across legal, financial, and compliance services, helping avoid the confusion and risk of using separate vendors in different regions. We also examine how legal requirements and regulatory expectations differ across regions. Shan shares specific insights into employment law exposure in Europe and Latin America, the changing rulebooks in Asia-Pacific, and the intricate compliance landscape in India. He underscores the importance of working with finance leaders who understand international complexity and why a realistic budget is just as important as the product itself. Looking toward the near future, Shan offers his thoughts on the role that technologies such as cryptocurrencies and modular nuclear energy might play in reshaping international operations. He also reflects on how protectionist policies may influence where companies manufacture and how they hire. Whether preparing for your first overseas hire or rethinking your entire expansion strategy, this episode offers clear, experience-backed insights for founders who want to make smarter decisions when taking their startup global. What would you consider the biggest challenge in going international? Let us know, we'd love to hear your perspective.

20/04/2025

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27 min

The Tech Talks Network is a curated ecosystem of podcasts designed to inform, challenge, and inspire business and technology leaders navigating digital transformation. With a growing portfolio of specialized shows, the network brings together diverse voices from across the enterprise technology space—offering nuanced perspectives on the trends shaping our digital future. Whether you're exploring AI integration, cybersecurity strategy, IT infrastructure, or startup innovation, the Tech Talks Network connects you to the insights that matter, from the people making it happen.