The Tech Talks Daily Podcast Neil C. Hughes

I recently read that 52% of Companies in the Fortune 500 List Have Disappeared Over the Last 20 Years. Another quick search revealed that 1955 v. 2016, only 12% of Fortune 500 Firms remain.
I then came across a company that has evolved over four decades to remain at the forefront of financial process automation.
Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Axel Rebien, CEO of Serrala, a company that has spent 40 years helping businesses cut costs and automate financial processes. Axel shares his unique perspective on leadership, shaped by his extensive background in tech, finance, fashion, and healthcare, and how it influences Serrala's customer-centric approach.
In our conversation, Axel delves into the strategic transformation of the CFO role, highlighting how Serrala leverages AI-driven scenario modeling and predictive analytics to provide near real-time visibility into financial health. We explore the importance of customer focus in product development, and how speaking directly with clients ensures that Serrala's solutions solve real-world problems efficiently and effectively.
Axel's passion for transforming finance from a strategic gatekeeper to a value creator shines through as he discusses the integration of Serrala's solutions with SAP, enhancing user experience and efficiency for finance teams. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring business leaders on adopting a customer-centric approach and driving innovation.
How can AI and predictive analytics redefine the strategic role of finance functions? What does it take to lead a company through four decades of technological advancements while staying true to customer needs? Listen in as Axel Rebien shares his journey and vision for the future of finance automation.
Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts on how technology is reshaping the finance industry. How do you see AI impacting financial processes in your organization? Share your insights and let's discuss!

I am live from Sphere 24 in Helsinki in this special Tech Talks Daily Podcast episode. I am pleased to speak with Christine Bejerasco, the Chief Information Security Officer at WithSecure. Christine brings her extensive 20-year experience in cybersecurity to our discussion, offering a unique perspective from the CISO point of view.
We dive into what makes Sphere 24 a standout event in the cybersecurity landscape. Christine shares her passion for this participant-driven unconference that brings together experts from diverse backgrounds to tackle the multifaceted challenges of cybersecurity. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration and multiculturalism, highlighting how these elements are integral to the success of Sphere and WithSecure's approach.
Our conversation covers the primary challenges CISOs face, particularly in balancing minimum adequate security with proactive cyber defense, especially in resource-constrained environments. Christine provides valuable insights into how exposure management is helping organizations identify and prioritize their most critical vulnerabilities, ensuring a more strategic and practical cybersecurity posture.
Christine also shares her thoughts on cyber adversaries' evolving tactics and the importance of embedding security into organizational processes to elevate overall security maturity. We discuss the role of AI in cybersecurity and the necessity of adopting a "secure by design" mindset to build resilient technologies and organizations.
Join us for this engaging discussion, during which Christine Bejerasco offers practical advice, forward-thinking strategies, and a glimpse into the future of cybersecurity. Whether you are a business leader, cybersecurity professional, or simply interested in the latest trends, this episode provides knowledge and inspiration. Listen in, and don't forget to share your thoughts with us!
For more information, visit WithSecure's website at www.withsecure.com and explore their latest blogs and resources on the evolving cyber threat landscape. Thank you for tuning in to the Tech Talks Daily Podcast from Sphere 24.

In this special episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I am live from the Sphere Event in Helsinki, joined by Antti Koskela, the interim CEO of WithSecure. Antti, a seasoned global software business executive, brings a strategic perspective on how midmarket companies can navigate the often enterprise-centric world of cybersecurity.

During our conversation, we delve into the unique needs of midmarket firms and how WithSecure is addressing these through innovative solutions tailored specifically for them. We also explore the European approach to cybersecurity and how it shapes the strategies and offerings of WithSecure.

Antti introduces us to Luminen, WithSecure’s latest GenAI-powered cybersecurity tool designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of IT teams. We discuss how Luminen leverages advanced algorithms to simplify complex tasks, provide contextual guidance, and offer precise, actionable recommendations. This tool aims to democratize cybersecurity by making it accessible and manageable, even for non-experts.

Tune in to learn how WithSecure is not only protecting businesses but also enabling them to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Antti’s insights into the future of cybersecurity and the importance of collaboration, or co-security, are invaluable for anyone interested in the latest advancements and strategies in the field.

Join us as we explore these topics and more, live from Sphere 24, where cybersecurity professionals and heroes unite to create a safer digital future. Don't miss this engaging discussion with Antti Koskela. Listen, reflect, and share your thoughts with us!
 

Are we truly prepared to foster the next generation of female innovators in tech? In this special episode of Tech Talks Daily, I am thrilled to welcome back Clare Hickie, CTO EMEA at Workday, alongside Caroline O'Reilly, Workday’s General Manager of Analytics. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and passion for shaping a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.
As we approach International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th with the theme 'Inspiring Inclusion,' Clare and Caroline share their insights on the future of females in tech. We delve into the importance of an employee-first mindset, the often-overlooked topic of menopause at work, and the value of industry experience offerings to attract more women into tech roles.

Clare and Caroline emphasize why an employee-first mindset is integral for creating solutions based on feedback, ensuring an inclusive workplace for all. They highlight how Workday’s initiatives are setting a precedent for supporting women in tech, including programs to aid women experiencing menopause, thus improving retention and attraction of midlife workers.
We explore the barriers that prevent women from progressing in the tech industry, such as stereotypical branding of tech roles and imposter syndrome. Clare and Caroline share how Workday’s "Return to Work" program and skill-based hiring practices are making strides to address these issues. They also discuss how early STEM education outreach, mentoring circles, and employee belonging councils like Women at Workday are crucial for attracting women to tech roles.

 Clare and Caroline share strategies for continuous learning and keeping pace with rapid tech advancements, providing invaluable advice for anyone looking to thrive in this dynamic field. They discuss how Workday's "vibe" philosophy fosters unique perspectives and equal opportunities, creating an inclusive tech industry. Supporting menopause at work, Clare and Caroline stress the significance of open discussions and specialized support programs, which play a crucial role in improving retention and attraction of midlife workers.

In our conversation, Clare and Caroline also delve into the importance of early STEM education outreach, mentoring circles, and the impact of initiatives like Women at Workday. They highlight the significance of treating diversity as a business goal with data-driven accountability and overcoming imposter syndrome to support career re-entry through Workday's "Return to Work" program.
What are your thoughts on how we can inspire more women to pursue careers in tech? Share your insights and let’s continue this important dialogue.
 

How has a digital image platform with a legacy of over two decades adapted to the rapidly changing landscape of technology and user expectations? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, we delve into the fascinating journey of Photobucket with Ted Leonard, CEO of this pioneering company.
Photobucket, a platform that supports more than 15 billion images for 90 million users worldwide, has been a steadfast caretaker of memories for over 21 years. Its mission is simple yet profound: to preserve users' cherished moments and ensure they are securely and conveniently shared with loved ones. But how does Photobucket continue to thrive and innovate in the age of AI and ubiquitous cloud storage solutions?
Ted Leonard takes us through the evolution of Photobucket, from its early days as a photo hosting solution for MySpace to its current status as a leading independent cloud storage service. He discusses the pivotal shifts the company has made, including the transition to a subscription model focused on privacy and preservation, the challenges they faced in staying relevant, and how they navigated technical debt to deploy new, cutting-edge products.
One of Photobucket's latest innovations is "Group Buckets," a feature designed to revolutionize photo sharing and collaboration within communities. Ted explains how Group Buckets offer an effortless way for friends, families, and communities to share and collaborate on photos and videos, enhancing the social aspect of memory preservation.
As AI continues to shape the tech landscape, Photobucket leverages this technology not for generative purposes but to enhance user experience through image tagging, automated organization, and facial/object recognition. Ted shares insights on how AI helps streamline these processes and explores the potential of licensing content for AI training models.
Throughout our conversation, Ted emphasizes Photobucket's commitment to centralization, community, preservation, and longevity. He discusses the company's carbon-neutral stance and the promise of not selling user data, reinforcing Photobucket's dedication to being a trustworthy guardian of users' digital memories.
Join us as we explore the rich history and innovative future of Photobucket with Ted Leonard. How do you see the role of digital platforms in preserving our memories evolving in the coming years? Share your thoughts with us after the episode.
Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the intersection of technology, memory preservation, and community, only on Tech Talks Daily.

How does one juggle the intense demands of refereeing professional football and managing channel partners across a vast region for one of the world's leading application security companies? This intriguing balance is the story of Carl Berry, EMEA Channel Director at F5, who joins us on this episode of Tech Talks Daily.
Carl joined F5 in March 2022, bringing over 20 years of experience in the IT market, particularly within partner and channel ecosystems. But what sets Carl apart is his parallel career as a Championship football referee, a role that has seen him touted for the Premier League. How do the disciplines of refereeing at such a high level translate into managing over 500 partners in the technology space? Carl shares how the integrity, elite communication, and decision-making skills honed on the pitch have influenced his approach to his role at F5.
In our conversation, Carl delves into the synergies between refereeing and his channel director responsibilities. He discusses the importance of integrity and effective communication in both fields and how these traits have shaped his leadership style. We also explore the current technology trends Carl is observing, including multi-cloud networking, the growth of app/API security, and the rise of generative AI.
Carl offers his insights on the unexpected growth in the retail vertical last year and shares his perspective on the technologies that failed to meet expectations. He advises channel partners on the importance of embracing and demystifying AI, focusing on practical business outcomes rather than getting bogged down by the complexities of the technology.
Join us as we unpack Carl Berry's unique journey and gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of technology and channel partnerships. What skills from your own unique experiences do you bring to your professional life? Share your thoughts with us after the episode.
Tune in for an engaging discussion that bridges the worlds of football and cybersecurity, only on Tech Talks Daily.