The Tech Talks Daily Podcast Neil C. Hughes

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.

Are you curious about how AI and automation can revolutionize your content creation and marketing strategies? In today's Tech Talks Daily Podcast episode, I sit down with James Taylor, founder of PowLeads, to explore the cutting-edge tools and techniques transforming the industry.
From summarizing calls and generating action items with Read AI to automating workflows using Make.com and Zapier, James shares his insights on how these technologies can streamline your processes. We also dive into the capabilities of ChatGPT for script and content outline creation and discuss the innovative Auto Alchemist for automating video and image production.
James, with his rich background in video production, animation, and marketing, has pivoted towards AI-driven solutions to help businesses enhance their brand presence on platforms like LinkedIn and TikTok. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a human touch in AI-generated content by editing and adding your own voice.
Discover how AI will shape the future of personal brand avatars and learn about the significance of clear use cases for successful AI integration. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a seasoned marketer, this episode offers valuable insights into leveraging AI and automation for impactful content creation and marketing.
Join us as we discuss:
The journey of James Taylor from video production to AI and marketing automation. The role of AI tools like Read AI, Make.com, Zapier, ChatGPT, and Auto Alchemist in content creation. The future of AI in creating personal brand avatars and enhancing content authenticity. Balancing innovation with the human element in content creation and marketing. Tune in to gain actionable strategies and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving landscape of AI and content marketing. How is your organization leveraging AI to boost its content creation efforts? We'd love to hear your thoughts. Share your insights with us and continue the conversation.
Stay connected for more thought-provoking discussions on the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, and remember to explore the latest technological advancements with us. Until next time, keep innovating and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in content creation and marketing.
 

Have you ever wondered how sustainability and advanced AI can converge to shape the future of customer experiences? In this episode, we sit down with Peter Graf, the Senior Vice President of Strategy at Genesys, live from Xperience 2024, to delve into the groundbreaking innovations driving the future of personalized, AI-powered customer interactions.
Join us as we explore the pivotal role of sustainability in technology with Genesys Cloud operations now achieving carbon neutrality. Peter sheds light on how this milestone was reached and what it means for the broader tech industry. We also dive into the latest enhancements in the Genesys Cloud platform, including new AI capabilities like Copilots, Virtual Agents, and Empathy Detection, designed to revolutionize customer and employee experiences.
We'll discuss the impact of these innovations on real-world businesses, featuring success stories from Virgin Atlantic, Modivcare, Kiwibank, and the National Domestic Hotline, all of whom have harnessed Genesys' solutions to achieve remarkable results.
As the landscape of AI and customer experience continues to evolve, Peter offers insights into the strategic partnerships and forward-thinking approaches that position Genesys at the forefront of this transformation. From managing customer journeys with deeper insights to the integration of social media analytics through the acquisition of Radarr Technologies, this episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in the intersection of AI, sustainability, and customer experience.
Tune in to discover how Genesys is not only accelerating the future of AI-driven customer interactions but also ensuring these advancements are sustainable. What does the future hold for AI in customer experience? How can businesses leverage these tools to enhance both customer satisfaction and operational efficiency? Share your thoughts and join the conversation as we explore these critical questions and more.
Don't miss this engaging discussion with Peter Graf, and be sure to share your insights on how AI and sustainability are reshaping the tech landscape.

Have you ever considered what goes into the products you use every day, from the shampoo in your shower to the battery powering your electric vehicle?
In this episode, we explore the transformative world of Syensqo, a company at the forefront of the green energy transition. Our guest is Mike Finelli, Syensqo's Chief Technology & Innovation Officer and Chief North America Officer, who brings over 30 years of experience in the chemical industry to the table.
Mike will delve into how Syensqo is leading the way in developing essential materials for electric vehicle batteries, with a particular focus on their groundbreaking work in lithium-ion battery components. As North America’s largest production facility for polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) gears up to open in Augusta, Georgia, Mike will share insights on how this new site will play a critical role in the U.S. "Battery Belt," driving the clean energy transition.
We’ll also discuss Syensqo’s innovative use of artificial intelligence to revolutionize chemical production, making processes more efficient and environmentally friendly. Mike will explain how AI is leveraged in their R&D labs, leading to breakthrough discoveries that push the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable technology.
Join us for a deep dive into the megatrends shaping our future—lightweighting, electrification, and advanced connectivity—and learn how Syensqo is not just keeping up but setting the pace for industrial decarbonization. How are they managing to stay ahead in an industry that's rapidly evolving? And what can other businesses learn from their approach to innovation and sustainability?
As we uncover the layers of Syensqo’s strategic vision, we invite you to ponder: How will these advancements change the products you use daily and the world at large? Share your thoughts with us after the episode.




 

What does the future hold for tech companies as AI continues to evolve and integrate into their operations? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Thomas Lah, the Executive Director and Executive VP of the Technology & Services Industry Association (TSIA), to explore this pressing question.
As an expert with over two decades of experience helping major tech firms enhance their operational efficiency, Thomas provides invaluable insights into the profound changes AI is bringing to the industry.
AI is revolutionizing internal workflows, leading to significant improvements in key performance indicators (KPIs), ranging from 15-70%. This transformation is not just about automating tasks but fundamentally changing how companies operate from the inside out.
Thomas highlights that while much of the AI buzz centers around customer-facing solutions, its impact on internal operations is equally transformative. Some companies are rapidly adopting AI to enhance their workflows, creating a divide between the "haves and have-nots" in the industry. Case studies demonstrate that deploying AI in workflows can lead to substantial KPI improvements, underscoring its potential.
One of the most discussed aspects of AI's integration is its impact on headcount. Research indicates that AI could reduce headcount in tech companies by up to 20%. Companies like Google have openly discussed how AI has enabled workforce reductions, while others have slowed their hiring rates despite experiencing revenue growth. This trend raises important questions about the future of work in the tech industry.
 The prospect of reduced headcounts brings about a critical need for companies and society to invest in retraining and supporting displaced workers, ensuring a smooth transition into new roles that leverage their existing skills in conjunction with AI capabilities.
Thomas explains that education services and support services are currently reaping the highest benefits from AI implementations. These areas are seeing significant returns on investment, making them prime examples of where AI can deliver substantial value. In contrast, areas like revenue management and sales/renewals are lagging in terms of AI-driven ROI, highlighting the varying degrees of AI impact across different functions.
For companies looking to overcome the barriers to AI implementation, Thomas advises starting with well-defined workflows and integrating AI into these existing processes rather than creating new ones from scratch. He emphasizes the importance of having a sense of urgency, as AI capabilities are not just a passing trend but a permanent fixture in the tech landscape.
 The ability to quickly and effectively adopt AI can determine a company's future success, making it imperative for tech leaders to prioritize these initiatives.
Looking ahead, AI promises to deliver more consistent business value and operational efficiency. Thomas and I discuss how AI will reshape workflows for everyone in the industry, creating distinct market winners and losers based on the speed and effectiveness of AI adoption. This shift will necessitate a new approach to business strategy, focusing on leveraging AI to gain a competitive edge.
Beyond the immediate impact of AI, Thomas shares insights into how the classic SaaS business model is under pressure due to inflation, high interest rates, and deflated company valuations. He discusses how companies like Salesforce are adapting to these economic challenges by leveraging big data and AI to offer next-generation value propositions. This adaptability is crucial for SaaS companies to navigate the current economic landscape and emerge stronger.
Throughout our conversation, Thomas emphasizes the role of industry associations like TSIA in helping SaaS companies navigate the challenges brought by AI disruption. He advises that every executive team should focus on their big data play to unlock unique value propositions for their customer

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, we delve into the seismic shifts AI adoption is bringing to the technology landscape with Sam Burman, a partner at Heidrick & Struggles. As AI continues to revolutionize industries, it's not just transforming business operations but also the very fabric of leadership and career progression in the tech world.
Sam Burman brings his extensive expertise to the table, shedding light on how the rapid integration of AI is altering the traditional career ladder. With companies entering an AI recruitment arms race, traditional career progression models are becoming obsolete. We explore how tech giants are now seeking and cultivating talent directly from top universities, propelling fresh graduates into high-level roles right from the start. This trend is reshaping the future of leadership teams and creating unprecedented opportunities and challenges.
 
Moreover, Sam discusses modern leaders' crucial qualities to navigate this new era. Emotional intelligence, storytelling skills, and fostering trust and transparency around AI are now indispensable. We'll also touch on the latest findings from Heidrick & Struggles' survey of 201 executives in Europe and the US, revealing the current state and future direction of AI and data analytics in leadership roles.
Sam will provides reassuring guidance on how businesses can embark on their AI journey with focused use cases, assuring them that it's a step-by-step process rather than a daunting overhaul of entire leadership structures.
Are we ready for a future where AI dictates the rhythm of career advancements and leadership structures? How can businesses ensure they effectively and responsibly integrate AI into their operations? Join us for this thought-provoking discussion and share your thoughts on how AI transforms the workplace.
For insights and information, visit Heidrick & Struggles online and connect with Sam and his team.