The IT Naturally Podcast: Technology with Purpose

IT Naturally

IT is about more than systems and software – it’s about people, progress and purpose. Hosted by IT Naturally CEO Julie Bishop, this podcast explores how technology, cyber security and digital transformation can be a force for good. Through conversations with IT leaders, business leaders, CIOs and purpose-driven organisations, we uncover how the right technology can improve customer experiences, empower employees and create positive impact for people, communities and the planet. Whether you’re leading an IT strategy, navigating digital change or simply interested in the future of technology with purpose, you’ll find honest conversations, practical insights and inspiring stories from people doing IT differently. Because at IT Naturally, we believe great technology should help you enjoy not talking about IT.

  1. 2d ago

    Why Cambridgeshire is One of the UK’s Most Exciting Places to Do Business | With Charlotte Horobin

    What makes Cambridgeshire a magnet for innovation, investment and ambitious businesses?  In this episode of The IT Naturally Podcast, Julie Bishop sits down with Charlotte Horobin, CEO of the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, to explore why the region is one of the most exciting places in the UK to do business.  From world-leading science and technology in Cambridge to manufacturing excellence in Peterborough, Charlotte shares her perspective on the opportunities driving growth across the county, as well as the challenges businesses face in today’s economic climate.  The conversation also looks at skills shortages, the importance of connecting education with employers, the impact of AI on the workplace and why strong local supply chains and infrastructure will be critical to the region’s future success.  Along the way, Charlotte reveals her own unconventional career journey - from Air Cadets and biomedical science to leading one of the country’s oldest Chambers of Commerce.  In this episode:  Charlotte’s journey to becoming CEO of the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce What makes Cambridgeshire such a unique place to do business The biggest challenges currently facing local businesses Skills shortages and preparing the workforce of the future Why literacy, numeracy and critical thinking matter in an AI-powered world How businesses are adopting AI and the opportunities it presents Major infrastructure projects shaping the future of the region Why collaboration between business, education and government is essential for long-term growth About Charlotte Horobin  Charlotte Horobin is Chief Executive of the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, representing businesses across the region and championing economic growth, skills development and business collaboration. She works closely with employers, educators and policymakers to help create the conditions for businesses to thrive.  Useful links  Connect with Charlotte on LinkedIn Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce on LinkedInCambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce WebsiteIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to The IT Naturally Podcast and leave a review to help more business leaders discover the show.  Visit the IT Naturally website Follow IT Naturally on LinkedIn Connect with Julie on LinkedIn

    25 min

  2. May 18

    Why Hospitality Still Needs People in an AI World

    What happens when hospitality gets technology right?  In this episode of the IT Naturally Podcast, Julie Bishop is joined by Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA, to explore how hotels and hospitality businesses are balancing technology, people and guest experience in 2026.  From AI and automation to sustainability, cyber security and changing guest expectations, Jane shares what hospitality leaders are really talking about right now and why the best technology should free employees to focus on people, not replace them.  The conversation covers:  Why hospitality is under huge cost pressure in 2026 How AI and automation are changing hotel operations Why guest choice matters more than ever The role of culture in delivering exceptional hospitality Sustainability challenges for hotels and hospitality businesses What hospitality still gets wrong about technology Why cyber security and guest trust are critical The rise of experiential hospitality and local community connections Plus, Jane shares brilliant real-world examples from across the hospitality sector, including how some hotels are creating happier teams, better guest experiences and more sustainable operations.  Find out more about HOSPA and connect with Jane via the links below.  Connect with Jane on LinkedIn Follow HOSPA on LinkedIn HOSPA website Visit the IT Naturally website Follow IT Naturally on LinkedIn Connect with Julie on LinkedIn

    26 min

  3. Mar 29

    AI, Authenticity & B Corp: Why Being Human Still Wins in Marketing

    AI is everywhere, but it hasn’t replaced what really makes businesses stand out.  In this B Corp month episode, Julie Bishop is joined by fellow B Corp Leader Dave Hoch, CEO of Colibrily Crew, to explore why authenticity, transparency, and human connection are more important than ever in marketing.  From building a B Corp to navigating the rise of AI, Dave shares how purpose-driven businesses can grow without losing what makes them different.  They discuss:  Why AI should be a tool, not a substitute for your voice How B Corp thinking shapes better businesses (not just better marketing) Why authenticity is becoming a competitive advantage The role of transparency in building trust How to tell stories that connect with people If you’re trying to grow your business without sounding like everyone else, this episode is for you.  Connect with Dave Hoch on LinkedIn. Connect with Julie on LinkedIn   Follow The Colibrily Crew on LinkedIn  The Colibrily Crew website Visit the IT Naturally website Follow IT Naturally on LinkedIn Connect with Julie on LinkedIn

    22 min

  4. Mar 9

    Using Technology to Prevent Crisis, Not Just Respond to It

    In this International Women’s Day special, Julie Bishop speaks with Sarah Flambard, founder of the charity We Are Here, about how technology can help people find support before they reach crisis.  Sarah and her volunteer team are developing a simple but powerful digital tool - an offline-accessible map designed to help people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, quickly locate nearby support services without needing mobile data, an account, or personal information.  Their mission is simple but transformative: turn visibility into prevention because in many cases, support already exists but people just can’t find it early enough.  This conversation also reflects this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain.” Sarah and the entire We Are Here team are volunteers, bringing together expertise from law, data, technology and marketing to create something that can genuinely change outcomes for people facing homelessness.  Julie and Sarah discuss:  Why homelessness is often invisible until it becomes a crisis How simple, accessible technology can help people find support sooner Designing digital tools that work in stressful, low-connectivity situations How volunteer-powered innovation can create real social impact Why prevention is often more powerful than building new services A powerful conversation about technology, compassion and the impact of people coming together to create change.  If you’d like to support the work of We Are Here, you can contact Sarah on LinkedIn or by email sarah.flambard@weareheremap.com  You can also connect with Julie, Host & CEO IT Naturally on LinkedIn.  Visit the IT Naturally website Follow IT Naturally on LinkedIn Connect with Julie on LinkedIn

    15 min

  5. Feb 2

    The E-Waste Crisis: Why Reuse Is the Most Powerful IT Decision You Can Make

    E-waste is now the fastest-growing waste stream in the world, and most organisations don’t realise the role their IT decisions play in driving it.  In Episode 10 of the IT Naturally Podcast, Julie is joined by Mark Russell from ICEX Group to explore why reuse, not recycling, is the most powerful decision organisations can make when it comes to end-of-life IT.  They discuss:  Why manufacturing creates the biggest carbon footprint in IT The real difference between reuse and recycling Common data security fears and how to handle them properly Why “computer graveyards” create unnecessary risk How responsible IT disposal supports the circular economy and affordable technology What CEOs, CFOs and IT leaders should be planning for now A practical, insight-led conversation for organisations that want IT to be secure, sustainable, and genuinely used for good.  Connect with Mark on LInkedIn Connect with Julie on LinkedIn Check out the ICEX website Visit the IT Naturally website Follow IT Naturally on LinkedIn Connect with Julie on LinkedIn

    17 min

  6. 12/17/2025

    The Shifting IT Channel: MSPs, Cyber Reality & Why Values Matter More Than Ever

    How the MSP landscape is shifting and why not every provider will survive the changes ahead that’s the conversation in this episode of the IT Naturally Podcast.  Host Julie Bishop is joined by Will Garside, Editorial Director at IT Europa, seasoned technology journalist, broadcaster and author, with over 30 years covering the IT channel. Drawing on decades of industry insight, Will shares a candid view of:  How the MSP model has evolved from project-based IT to true managed services Why many “MSPs” are still VARs in disguise and why that mattersThe growing reality of cybercrime as an industrialised, state-level threatWhy minimum security standards are no longer optional for customers or providersHow technology has quietly transformed family life, work, and gender rolesThe uncomfortable truth about sustainable IT and why it does cost moneyWhy younger generations expect purpose, not just profit, from tech businessesHow values-led organisations see stronger loyalty, retention and long-term successWill also reflects on some of the most memorable moments of his career, from surreal dot-com era press trips to meaningful conversations with industry leaders and shares his one-word verdict on the IT channel today. If you’re an MSP, IT leader, or purpose-led business thinking about security, sustainability and the future of managed services, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 👉 Follow IT Europa on LinkedIn to keep up with Will’s reporting and insights Visit the IT Naturally website Follow IT Naturally on LinkedIn Connect with Julie on LinkedIn

    27 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    The Truth About Greener Tech: Remanufacturing, B Corp Life & Smarter Devices

    Looking for ways to cut IT costs, reduce your carbon footprint, and build a more sustainable tech stack—without compromising performance? This episode is for you. Julie sits down with Ben Schneider, Founder of IT Guys, to reveal the real opportunities organisations are missing when it comes to greener IT. From remanufactured laptops that perform like new, to smarter device lifecycles and responsible supply chains, Ben explains how sustainable tech can be cheaper, more reliable, and far better for the planet. They dive into: How remanufactured devices save money and carbonThe truth behind refurbished vs remanufactured techWhy most businesses are over-spec’ing laptops unnecessarilyWhat every IT leader should ask their suppliersHow B Corps balance purpose with profitAnd why giving employees more time can transform cultureIf you’re an IT leader, sustainability champion, or purpose-led organisation, you’ll walk away with practical ideas you can implement today. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – Ben’s journey into tech & sustainability 07:00 – Why time is the most valuable employee benefit 08:27 – The real carbon footprint of laptops 12:00 – Refurbished vs remanufactured — what’s the difference? 15:20 – Why execs don’t need “fancy” laptops 17:40 – The biggest barrier to circular IT 20:00 – Giving charities the right kind of support 24:00 – Quickfire round: favourite tech, biggest myth 29:38 – Ben’s cringe IT story Visit the IT Naturally website Follow IT Naturally on LinkedIn Connect with Julie on LinkedIn

    30 min

  8. 10/21/2025

    Beyond Veg Boxes: Inside Riverford’s Sustainable Tech Story

    What happens when a company famous for its organic veg boxes applies the same sustainable mindset to IT? In this episode, Julie Bishop sits down with David Eagle, Head of IT at Riverford Organic Farmers, to explore how the business lives its values through technology, not just farming. Riverford is an employee-owned, B Corp-certified business that’s leading the way in ethical and sustainable operations. Behind the scenes, their IT team plays a huge part in reducing carbon, supporting co-owners, and making greener tech decisions every day. David shares how Riverford: 🌱 Balances sustainability with performance — from eco-cooling systems to solar-powered operations. 💻 Moved from refurbished to new laptops and actually reduced their long-term footprint. 👩‍💻 Supports employee-owners with “10% learning time”, profit-sharing, and a culture of curiosity. ⚙️ Partners with ethical tech suppliers and takes a stand when values matter more than cost. 🌍 Faces challenges with big tech while still striving to make responsible choices. It’s an inspiring conversation about how IT can help people and the planet without compromising performance or business resilience. 🎧 Listen in for practical insights on: Making sustainable IT choices that actually workAligning technology with company valuesEmpowering your people through ownership and learningBuilding long-term partnerships based on trust, not just priceWhether you’re a CIO, IT leader, or purpose-driven business owner, this episode will give you ideas on how to make your own IT setup more sustainable and why small decisions can make a big difference. Listen now and discover how Riverford is redefining what “IT for good” really means. Connect with Julie on LinkedIn Connect with David on LinkedIn Visit the IT Naturally website Follow IT Naturally on LinkedIn Connect with Julie on LinkedIn

    23 min
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About

IT is about more than systems and software – it’s about people, progress and purpose. Hosted by IT Naturally CEO Julie Bishop, this podcast explores how technology, cyber security and digital transformation can be a force for good. Through conversations with IT leaders, business leaders, CIOs and purpose-driven organisations, we uncover how the right technology can improve customer experiences, empower employees and create positive impact for people, communities and the planet. Whether you’re leading an IT strategy, navigating digital change or simply interested in the future of technology with purpose, you’ll find honest conversations, practical insights and inspiring stories from people doing IT differently. Because at IT Naturally, we believe great technology should help you enjoy not talking about IT.

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