SHI’s Research Breakdown

SHI
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SHI’s Research Breakdown is your audio companion to SHI’s Research Roundup newsletter, offering sharp, focused conversations that take you beyond the headlines. Each episode dives deep into a single research topic from the newsletter, unpacking key insights, implications, and unanswered questions with subject matter experts from across the tech industry. Whether it’s AI, cybersecurity, cloud strategy, or IT asset management, we break down the research so IT leaders, decision-makers, and curious minds can understand what it really means for their business and why it matters now. In about 15 minutes, you’ll be better equipped to lead in a rapidly evolving digital world. Follow SHI’s Research Breakdown for a dose of clarity, context, and expert commentary—because the tech trends shaping tomorrow deserve more than a headline.

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    Quantum sans Solace: 2026 Trends and Predictions - Part 2

    In Part 2 of this two-part Research Breakdown series, host Victoria Barber is again joined by SHI colleagues Brad Pollard, Field CTO, and Marc Yoder, Field CISO, to continue unpacking 2026 technology predictions from InformationWeek and InvestorPlace that we featured in the January 23rd edition of the Research Roundup LinkedIn newsletter.  While Part 1 focused on cutting through AI hype and infrastructure distractions, this episode turns to two issues that may matter even more: workforce re-skilling and the conspicuous absence of quantum computing from most trend reports. The conversation explores what organizations are actually recruiting for in 2026, why curiosity and adaptability may matter more than specific technical credentials, and how learning organizations build long-term resiliency.  Then the discussion shifts to what Marc calls “the Y2K of our era”: quantum computing. From “harvest now, decrypt later” risks to the potential breaking of today’s cryptographic foundations, the team examines why quantum is not a distant theoretical problem, but a present-day strategic concern that many organizations still are not addressing.  Discussed in this episode:  Why workforce re-skilling must be a formal pillar in 2026 strategy  Hiring for adaptability and learning ability versus static technical skills  The value of cross-disciplinary backgrounds in technology leadership  Mentorship and learning cultures as foundations of organizational resiliency  Why quantum computing is largely missing from 2026 trend conversations  What “Q-Day” means for encryption and cybersecurity  The real risk behind “harvest now, decrypt later” data strategies  Why quantum is a strategic risk even if you don’t understand the math  The critical executive question: Who owns the quantum plan inside your organization?

    15 min

  2. FEB 25

    Big Shiny Distractions: 2026 Trends and Predictions - Part 1

    In this episode of SHI's Research Breakdown, host Victoria Barber is joined by SHI colleagues Brad Pollard, Field CTO, and Marc Yoder, Field CISO, to unpack two bold prediction pieces: The Year Tech Reinvents Itself: Five Predictions for 2026 from Information Week and Tech Predictions for 2026: The Year Software Crawls into Physical Reality from InvestorPlace, both of which were covered in the January 23 edition of the Research Roundup LinkedIn newsletter.  From domestic chip production and AI silicon to humanoid robots, autonomous vehicles, and the ever-growing power demands of data centers, the headlines suggest a year defined by breakthrough innovation. But as Brad and Marc make clear, not every “shiny” technology deserves executive attention.  Part one of this two-part series centers on resiliency, core competencies, data quality, and the role of trusted partners in navigating transformation. What does it really mean to “transform” as an organization? Are you becoming a butterfly, or just bolting wings onto a caterpillar?  For CIOs, CISOs, and executive leaders feeling pressure to respond to every emerging trend, this episode offers an important lesson: focus less on hype, more on foundations.  Discussed in this episode:  Why data center power and chip supply are executive-level concerns, but not always directly controllable  The risks of vendor fragility in tight supply environments  AI savings headlines vs. the reality of multi-year transformation journeys  Why “AI” is often a proxy for deeper data quality problems  Lessons from manufacturing, mining, and gaming on practical automation  The difference between true transformation and surface-level modernization  Why most organizations shouldn’t be building their own AI solutions  The importance of knowing your organization’s core competencies before chasing trends

    13 min

  3. 11/07/2025

    Deepfakes, DMs, and Deception: Dune Security on Human Cyber Risk

    In this episode of SHI’s Research Breakdown, host Victoria Barber and SHI Field CISO Brad Bowers sit down with David DellaPelle, CEO of Dune Security, to unpack how social engineering has evolved faster than awareness training can keep up. Drawing on insights from Dune’s Inside Access research report titled CISOs on the Emerging Threats Redefining User Cyber Risk, the conversation explores how AI is supercharging phishing, how multi-channel “hybrid” attacks are reshaping the threat landscape, and why most organizations still can’t see what’s happening across encrypted or informal apps like Slack, Teams, and WhatsApp. They also dig into the cultural blind spots keeping CISOs from tackling these risks, the rise of insider threats and nation-state job applicants, and the importance of collaboration among cybersecurity leaders to outpace increasingly organized and professionalized adversaries. For more research like this, subscribe to SHI's Research Roundup newsletter on LinkedIn. Discussed in this episode: AI-driven phishing that’s three times more effective than traditional campaigns Hybrid social engineering attacks spanning email, chat, video, and voice Why encrypted channels remain a major blind spot for CISOs Adaptive training and user risk scoring as smarter defense models The growing insider threat from remote and nation-state actors How cybercriminals collaborate, and why defenders must do the same

    16 min

  4. 09/26/2025

    Kindred Spirits: Analyzing Gartner's Report on ITAM + FinOps

    Welcome to another episode of SHI’s Research Breakdown, where we unpack complex analyst reports into conversations that matter for IT leaders. In this episode, host Victoria Barber is joined by Shane Cronin, Head of ITAM and FinOps at SHI, and Kevin Wade, Manager of FinOps at SHI, to discuss Gartner’s report Control Software, Cloud and AI Costs by Integrating ITAM and FinOps that we covered in the August 22nd edition of the Research Roundup newsletter.  Gartner highlights the potential to cut software, cloud, and AI costs by up to 30% within two years, but only if organizations stop treating ITAM and FinOps as separate silos. The team explores what this convergence really means, why governance and accountability matter more than tooling, and how CIOs can prepare for the inevitable integration of disciplines like ITAM, FinOps, and TBM.  If you’re a CIO, ITAM lead, FinOps practitioner, or anyone navigating rising technology costs, this episode will help you understand not just the “why” but also the “how” of bringing these practices together.  🔗 For a limited time, you can access a complimentary copy of the Gartner report discussed in this episode here: https://shi-intl.com/ui2V3  Discussed in this episode:  Why 30% savings is realistic, but only with major changes  How AI spend complicates visibility and accountability  Why tools alone won’t fix ITAM/FinOps challenges  The skills, roles, and leadership needed to drive integration  What happens if your competitors achieve 30% savings and you don’t

    16 min

  5. 08/29/2025

    A Sword and a Shield: 2025 Cost of a Data Breach Report

    In this episode of SHI’s Research Breakdown, host Victoria Barber is joined by SHI Field CISOs Brad Bowers and Rob Forbes to unpack the 2025 Cost of a Data Breach Report from the Ponemon Institute and IBM. We also covered this report in the August 8th edition of the Research Roundup newsletter and a recent blog post on the SHI Resource Hub.   Throughout the conversation, they explore how AI is reshaping both attack methods and defense strategies, why breach costs are trending differently in the U.S. compared to the rest of the world, and what CISOs and boards can do to move from reactive to proactive strategies.  They also dive into the dual role of AI as both a weapon and a shield, the critical governance gaps organizations still face, and the business decisions behind paying (or refusing to pay) ransomware demands.  Discussed in this episode  Global data breach costs decline for the first time in five years  How AI is being used by both attackers and defenders  Shadow AI and the risks of poor access controls  Why U.S. breach costs continue to climb past $10 million  Business decision-making around paying ransomware demands  The importance of AI governance and security at the board level  Shifting from reactive spending to proactive cybersecurity strategies

    16 min

  6. 07/31/2025

    Cybercrime, Incorporated: CrowdStrike’s 2025 Global Threat Report

    In this episode of SHI’s Research Breakdown, Victoria invites SHI Field CISOs Brad Bowers and Rob Forbes to discuss CrowdStrike’s 2025 Global Threat Report, which we covered in the April 18th edition of the Research Roundup newsletter. The report is one of the year’s most cited resources for understanding the evolving cyber threat landscape. The conversation covers the data and insights that matter most to enterprise IT leaders, including the growing influence of adversary tradecraft, the rising use of valid credentials in breaches, and why speed is still the most important factor in cyber defense.  Whether you’re a cybersecurity professional, IT leader, or just curious about the current state of digital threats, this episode delivers a clear-eyed look at what defenders need to know (and do) right now.  Discussed in this episode:  The growing sophistication of adversaries, including increased use of identity-based attacks and legitimate tools for lateral movement  Why over 75% of intrusions now involve valid credentials, making MFA and identity protection more critical than ever  The importance of “breakout time” and how defenders can reduce response delays  How endpoint detection and response (EDR) strategies are evolving in response to faster, more covert threats  Why adversary tradecraft—not malware—is now the primary concern for defenders  Tips for operationalizing insights from the report to strengthen your cybersecurity posture

    16 min

  7. 07/15/2025

    Zooming Out: Gartner’s Hype Cycle for Trends Beyond Technology

    In this episode of SHI’s Research Breakdown, Victoria Barber, Head of Strategic Insights at SHI, sits down with Field CTO Dave Gruver to unpack one of Gartner’s most thought-provoking reports—the Hype Cycle for Trends Beyond Technology, which we covered in the very first edition of the Research Roundup newsletter.   Unlike traditional Hype Cycles focused on specific tools or disciplines, this one zooms out to examine the broader forces shaping our world: from geopolitical shifts and generational divides to workforce transformation and the erosion of critical thinking in an AI-saturated landscape.  Victoria and Dave explore how businesses can build frameworks for smarter decision-making in an era of information overload and technological acceleration. They touch on everything from the rise of global talent pools to the role of curiosity in future-proofing your career.  For more analysis on research like this, be sure to subscribe to SHI’s Research Roundup on LinkedIn.  Discussed in this episode  Gartner research that tracks non-tech forces that impact tech decisions  The balancing act between innovation and information overwhelm  How global demographic shifts will redefine work and talent sourcing  Why curiosity may be the most important skill in the AI age

    16 min

  8. 07/04/2025

    Unpacking Flexera’s 2025 State of ITAM Report

    Welcome to the first episode of SHI’s Research Breakdown! In each episode, we’ll connect with experts to dive deeper into one of the topics from SHI’s Research Roundup LinkedIn Newsletter.  In this debut episode, Victoria Barber (Senior Director of Strategic Insights at SHI) is joined by Shane Cronin, Head of ITAM Services at SHI, and Jennifer Kuvlesky, Director of Product Marketing at Flexera, to unpack the findings from Flexera’s 2025 State of ITAM Report.  Together, they dive into why audit costs remain stubbornly high, the persistent challenges of IT asset sprawl, and how AI and FinOps are reshaping ITAM practices. The episode sheds light on what’s holding ITAM back and where the opportunities lie for organizations ready to evolve.  Discussed in this episode  Why 45% of organizations paid over $1M in audit costs in the past 3 years  The reactive trap: Why ITAM maturity remains low despite years of effort  30% waste: The true cost of software sprawl and what to do about it  SaaS déjà vu: Why generative AI may repeat past governance failures  FinOps + ITAM: The growing convergence and why it matters  Strategic reporting lines and the importance of business alignment  How AI could both complicate and streamline ITAM practices  The role of partners in supplementing internal ITAM expertise

    16 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

SHI’s Research Breakdown is your audio companion to SHI’s Research Roundup newsletter, offering sharp, focused conversations that take you beyond the headlines. Each episode dives deep into a single research topic from the newsletter, unpacking key insights, implications, and unanswered questions with subject matter experts from across the tech industry. Whether it’s AI, cybersecurity, cloud strategy, or IT asset management, we break down the research so IT leaders, decision-makers, and curious minds can understand what it really means for their business and why it matters now. In about 15 minutes, you’ll be better equipped to lead in a rapidly evolving digital world. Follow SHI’s Research Breakdown for a dose of clarity, context, and expert commentary—because the tech trends shaping tomorrow deserve more than a headline.

Information

  • Creator
    SHI
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    SHI’s Research Breakdown