Tech Talks Network

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Channel • 8 Shows

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Updated Jan 25
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08/11/2025

Cohesity’s Infrastructure Playbook for Cyber Recovery and Insights

How can organizations protect their most valuable asset, data, while unlocking its full potential through AI-driven insights? That is the question I explored on the IT Press Tour in Silicon Valley during a face-to-face conversation with Sanjay Poonen, President and CEO of Cohesity. In this episode, Sanjay shares how Cohesity evolved from reinventing backup and recovery to leading the market in data security and cyber resilience. We discuss the game-changing acquisition of Veritas’s NetBackup business, the company’s growing footprint across healthcare, finance, government, and retail, and why uniting cultures and customers is key to their next chapter. We dive into how Cohesity is using AI to transform backup data into a source of real-time intelligence, including its patented Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) capabilities developed in partnership with NVIDIA. Sanjay also explains how this innovation is enabling businesses to meet strict data sovereignty requirements while benefiting from cloud agility. From cyberattack recovery and on-premises innovation to working with some of the biggest names in AI and cloud, Sanjay offers a candid look at leadership in a time of rapid growth. If you want to understand how AI and cybersecurity are converging to shape the future of enterprise data, this conversation delivers practical insight, strategic thinking, and a clear vision for what is ahead.

08/11/2025

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31 min
FEB 25

The Future Of Workplace Negotiation: AI As Your Thinking Partner

What if the best way to improve your negotiation skills was to rehearse the conversation before it ever happened? In this episode of AI at Work, I sit down with Professor Alexandra Mislin from American University’s Kogod School of Business to explore how AI is quietly reshaping the way professionals prepare for high-stakes conversations. Recently featured in Fortune, Professor Mislin has been teaching her students to use AI as a negotiation practice partner, helping them clarify priorities, test assumptions, and even role-play difficult scenarios before walking into the room. Negotiation is one of those skills we use every day, whether we label it that way or not. It shows up in salary discussions, scope changes, vendor renewals, internal disagreements, and those tense moments where trust feels fragile. The problem is that most people learn under pressure, with real consequences and little room to experiment. Professor Mislin’s approach offers something different. She teaches core negotiation skills first, then introduces AI as a thinking partner rather than a decision maker. The goal is not to outsource judgment, but to sharpen it. We talk about how AI can help professionals clarify what they truly want before a conversation begins. We explore how tools can surface blind spots, generate counterarguments, and simulate different negotiation styles. Professor Mislin also shares why she is less worried about AI creating formulaic responses or overconfidence than many critics assume. In her view, reducing ambiguity can actually empower more people to advocate for themselves and engage in everyday negotiations they might otherwise avoid. Trust, emotion, and identity remain at the heart of every negotiation. That human element does not disappear. Professor Mislin explains how AI can help diagnose a breakdown in trust or draft the structure of an apology, but sincerity still requires real human presence. As AI automates more routine exchanges, the competitive advantage will belong to those who know how to combine analytical tools with interpersonal intelligence. We also look ahead to what negotiation education may become in an AI-rich workplace. Instead of occasional training sessions, professionals could have continuous, on-demand coaching. Yet the skills that remain uniquely human, listening deeply, regulating emotions, and making difficult calls under uncertainty, may become even more valuable. If you have ever walked away from a difficult conversation thinking of everything you wish you had said, this episode offers a practical way to prepare differently. How are you using AI to think before you ask, and what changed when you did?

Feb 25

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25 min
2D AGO

The Great Upheaval: What AI Is Really Changing At Work Why Most AI Pilots Fail, And What To Do Instead

What does AI actually change once you move beyond the pilot phase and into the messy reality of live deployment? In this episode of AI at Work, I sit down with Jack Siney, CRO and co-founder of FrontRace, to separate operational truth from industry hype and explore what he calls the “Great Upheaval” already reshaping how organizations generate revenue, measure performance, and define success. Drawing on experience from the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels program, PwC, multiple startup exits, and now hands-on AI implementation across hundreds of companies, Jack offers a practitioner’s perspective on where AI is delivering immediate value and where it is still falling short. We talk about why so many expensive initiatives fail to move the needle, how legacy KPIs are pushing teams toward the wrong outcomes, and why most automation breaks because organizations never fully documented the human steps they were trying to replicate. A big part of our conversation focuses on sales leadership and the frontline reality. Jack explains how AI can finally decode the long-standing mystery of why two reps with identical activity metrics produce wildly different results, how decision engines built on a company’s own historical data can guide next best actions in real time, and why better data hygiene and process clarity matter more than buying another tool. At the same time, he is clear that today’s AI is an 80 percent solution that still demands human oversight, critical thinking, and constant tuning. We also step back to look at the economic and cultural shift ahead. If productivity is no longer tied to headcount growth, what happens to the traditional link between company performance, employment, and spending power? And what mindset shifts do chief revenue officers and business leaders need to make right now to avoid incremental thinking and instead redesign how work gets done? This is a grounded, candid conversation about readiness, responsibility, and real outcomes, recorded for leaders who want practical direction rather than another theory about the future of work. After listening, where do you see AI genuinely improving performance in your organization today, and where is it still a promise waiting to be fulfilled?

2d ago

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34 min
07/13/2025

Veeva Systems and the Future of Agentic AI in Pharma

AI is racing ahead, but for industries like life sciences, the stakes are higher and the rules more complex. In this episode, recorded just before the July heatwave hit its peak, I spoke with Chris Moore, President of Europe at Veeva Systems, from his impressively climate-controlled garden office. We covered everything from the trajectory of agentic AI to the practicalities of embedding intelligence in highly regulated pharma workflows, and how Veeva is quietly but confidently positioning itself to deliver where others are still making announcements. Chris brings a unique perspective shaped by a career that spans ICI Pharmaceuticals, PwC, IBM, and EY. That journey taught him how often the industry is forced to rebuild the same tech infrastructure again and again until Veeva came along. He shares how Veeva's decision to build a life sciences-specific cloud platform from the ground up has enabled a deeper, more compliant integration of AI. We explored what makes Veeva AI different, from the CRM bot that handles compliant free text to MLR agents that support content review and approval. Chris explains how Veeva's AI agents inherit the context and controls of their applications, making them far more than chat wrappers or automation tools. They are embedded directly into workflows, helping companies stay compliant while reducing friction and saving time. And perhaps more importantly, he makes a strong case for why the EU AI Act isn't a barrier. It's a validation. From auto-summarising regulatory documents to pulling metadata from health authority correspondence, the real-world examples Chris offers show how Veeva AI will reduce repetitive work while ensuring integrity at every step. He also shares how Veeva is preparing for a future where companies may want to bring their LLMs or even run different ones by geography or task. Their flexible, harness-based approach is designed to support exactly that. Looking ahead to the product's first release in December, Chris outlines how Veeva is working hand-in-hand with customers to ensure readiness and reliability from day one. We also touch on the broader mission: using AI not as a shiny add-on, but as a tool to accelerate drug development, reach patients faster, and relieve the pressure on already overstretched specialist teams. Chris closes with a dose of humanity, offering a book and song that both reflect Veeva's mindset, embracing disruption while staying grounded. This one is for anyone curious about how real, applied AI is unfolding inside one of the world's most important sectors, and what it means for the future of medicine.

07/13/2025

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31 min
04/17/2025

From Copyright to Contracts: The Legal Impact of AI on IP

How is AI changing the rules of intellectual property, and what should founders be doing about it? In this debut episode of Startup Builders & Backers, we tackle one of the most pressing and under-discussed areas in the startup space: the legal impact of AI. I’m joined by Alex Watt, commercial IP lawyer at Howard Kennedy and leader of the firm’s startup programme, Ignite. With deep expertise across licensing, branding, advertising, and digital rights, Alex offers a practical perspective on how emerging technologies are testing the limits of today’s IP frameworks. We explore the growing debate around copyright exemptions for AI training, the risks of unclear ownership in AI-generated content, and why startups must revisit their licensing agreements as AI becomes part of the product stack. The conversation also covers how legal teams are preparing for AI-generated influencers, how the metaverse might bring IP into uncharted territory, and what it really takes to futureproof your startup’s rights in an increasingly automated world. If you’re building something new and wondering how to safeguard it—this episode offers clarity. Alex also shares advice on early-stage IP protection, from trademarks to SEIS/EIS structuring, and why getting this right at the outset saves significant pain down the line. As AI accelerates innovation across industries, how can startups strike the right balance between moving fast and staying protected? And what new rules are likely to emerge in the years ahead? Tune in and join the conversation. I’d love to hear your take.

04/17/2025

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24 min
07/26/2025

Inside the Mind of a Founder: Startup Psychology, Burnout, and Co-Founder Dynamics

In this raw and deeply human conversation, I sit down with Yael Daniely, a seasoned startup psychologist, co-founder, therapist, and founder of one of the world’s only clinical practices dedicated to the emotional well-being of startup leaders. Yael joins me from Israel in the middle of a war zone, where the urgency of her message becomes even more profound. Together, we explore what founders rarely talk about publicly: emotional fatigue, burnout, the silent strain on co-founder relationships, and the psychological toll of building a startup when your identity is wrapped up in its success or failure. Drawing from her work with over 400 founders and leadership teams around the world, Yael breaks down: Why startup life often mimics survival mode and how to manage itThe unconscious emotional drivers behind decision-making and leadership fatigueHow dysfunctional co-founder dynamics quietly derail 65% of startupsWhy psychological contracts matter as much as shareholder agreementsThe overlooked link between childhood experience and startup behaviorWhat founder burnout really looks like and how to recover from it holisticallyAs Yael puts it, “High-growth startups require high-growth founders.” This episode is an honest, moving reflection on what it really takes to survive and thrive as a startup leader, especially during times of extreme uncertainty.

07/26/2025

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46 min
JAN 25

AI at Work: What monday.com’s Data Reveals About How Teams Use AI

What does AI at work really look like once the hype fades and the day-to-day reality sets in? In this episode of AI at Work, I’m joined by Nicole Leib, Regional Vice President of People for the Americas and Global Head of Inclusion at monday.com, for a grounded, refreshingly honest conversation about how AI is actually being used in modern organizations. We recorded this during CES week, when every headline seemed to promise disruption, reinvention, and job loss. Yet the data Nicole brings to the table tells a very different story. Drawing on Monday.com’s World of Work: AI Edition report, produced in partnership with Nielsen and informed by millions of real workflows, Nicole explains why labor reduction is not the primary driver behind AI adoption. Instead, organizations are using AI to move faster, improve accuracy, and reduce the cognitive load placed on teams. This marks a clear shift into what she calls the operational era of AI, where success is measured by practical outcomes rather than futuristic promises. We unpack why the tools gaining traction are not the flashiest, but the ones that fit naturally into existing workflows and simply help people get through their day. We also explore the human side of AI adoption. Nicole shares insights into why innovation is barely a motivator right now, what tool overload looks like in practice, and why simplification is becoming a real competitive advantage. Our conversation touches on trust, security, and governance, especially for larger enterprises, and why embedding AI into systems people already rely on matters more than adding yet another standalone tool. We also address the confidence gap around AI, including the striking gender divide where women are often using AI more while undervaluing their own expertise, and what that means for career progression. By the end of the discussion, one idea stands out above all others. AI is not pushing people out of work. It is helping them step up, take on more strategic responsibilities, and rethink what valuable work looks like in a world of constant change. As we look ahead to what the next phase of AI at work might bring, are our leaders ready to stop waiting for a perfect future moment and start treating AI as a core operating capability today, and how are you seeing that shift play out inside your own organization? Useful Inks Connect With Nicole Leib,Introducing AI at work: From vision to value, Monday Research’s latest reportFollow Monday on LinkedIn Thanks to our sponsors, Alcor, for supporting the show.

Jan 25

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24 min
10/03/2025

Zeta and the Future of AI-Powered Marketing That Drives Real ROI

Zeta Global's CTO, Chris Monberg talks about building AI that helps brands grow with repeatable, scalable programs without losing the spark that makes a brand feel human. Zeta's promise is simple to say and hard to do. Help marketers deliver better results with less waste by pairing strong data, clear identity, and practical AI inside the Zeta Marketing Platform. What stood out first was Chris's view of design as a contact sport. He hires builders who live in the work, and he still enjoys rolling up his sleeves himself. That mindset shows up in how Zeta approaches AI for marketing. Rather than shouting for the next click, he wants systems that perceive intent and context. He described an early lesson from retail floors in Seattle. The best experience came from people who noticed a customer's posture and pace before speaking. Empathetic design translates that awareness into algorithms that understand latent signals and respond with care, not noise. We also dug into a tension many leaders feel. Automation is exciting, but nobody wants generic content. Chris answered with a practical frame. Give marketers a way to create a personal "super agent" that learns from their choices, their brand voice, and the paths they take through the platform. Offload the repetitive chores, keep creative control, and grow pride of ownership. That pride matters because it breeds adoption. When teams feel the system reflects them, they keep using it and keep improving it. Another thread was trust. In Chris's words, the market still underestimates what these tools can do, partly because users are unsure where the value comes from. Zeta is leaning into transparency so teams can see how decisions are made and how results tie back to their inputs. Data and identity are the moat, but privacy and compliance are the foundation. He was candid about the weekly grind of meeting new regulatory needs region by region. That operational discipline shapes how Zeta decides to build, buy, or partner. Acquisitions must make sense on day one and integrate fast, with people as the primary asset. Chris also spoke directly to younger builders who feel stuck. There are no shortcuts. The only way through is work, curiosity, and a willingness to learn in public. He sees small teams pushing new protocols and patterns forward, and he wants more marketers and technologists to join that frontier with clear eyes and a bias for doing. We closed on culture. Zeta Live in New York brings sports and tech onto the same stage, and there is a reason. When the wider world pays attention, ideas travel further. If you care about marketing that respects customers and still moves the needle, this episode will give you a practical blueprint. It is about AI that makes room for people, systems that earn trust, and a product leader who still enjoys getting a little grease under his nails.

10/03/2025

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22 min
JAN 5

Agentic AI, Governance, and the Future of Work Inside the Enterprise

Are today’s AI tools actually doing the work, or are they still sitting on the sidelines offering advice that humans have to act on? In this episode of the AI at Work podcast, I sat down with Oren Michels, Founder and CEO of Barndoor AI, to explore why so much enterprise AI still feels stuck in what he calls “advisor mode.” We talked about the gap between AI that summarizes and AI that acts, and why that distinction matters far more to knowledge workers than most leaders realize. Oren drew on his experience building Mashery during the early days of APIs, drawing a clear parallel between then and now, when powerful technology exists but remains inaccessible to the people who actually need to use it. We spent a lot of time unpacking what true agentic AI really means inside the enterprise. For Oren, it is not about smarter chatbots or recycled RPA workflows, but about agents that can safely take action inside systems like Salesforce, CRMs, and other tools of record. We discussed why so many AI initiatives fail to deliver ROI, and why the missing skill is often not prompt engineering, but the ability to break real business problems into clear, executable instructions that an AI agent can actually follow. Governance became a central theme in our conversation, especially as we dug into the Model Context Protocol, or MCP. While MCP is emerging as a powerful standard for connecting AI to enterprise tools, Oren explained why it also introduces new security, cost, and control challenges if left unchecked. We explored why governance should act as a launchpad rather than a brake, how least-privilege access changes the conversation, and why the most important question is not how a model was trained, but what it can do with access right now. If you are thinking seriously about agentic AI, enterprise adoption, or how to prevent “bring your own AI” from becoming the next wave of shadow IT, this episode will give you a grounded, experience-led perspective on what actually needs to change inside organizations. As AI agents begin to operate at speed and scale across core systems, are your guardrails designed to stop progress, or to make it possible to move forward with confidence? I would love to hear your thoughts after listening. How close do you think we really are to AI that acts, not just advises? Useful Links Connect with Oren MichelsLearn more about Barndoor AI Thanks to our sponsors, Alcor, for supporting the show.

Jan 5

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32 min
JAN 29

Cobalt Shares Hard Lessons From the State of Pen Testing Report

What happens when artificial intelligence starts accelerating cyberattacks faster than most organizations can test, fix, and respond? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sat down with Sonali Shah, CEO of Cobalt, to unpack what real-world penetration testing data is revealing about the current state of enterprise security. With more than two decades in cybersecurity and a background that spans finance, engineering, product, and strategy, Sonali brings a grounded, operator-level view of where security teams are keeping up and where they are quietly falling behind. Our conversation centers on what happens when AI moves from an experiment to an attack surface. Sonali explains how threat actors are already using the same AI-enabled tools as defenders to automate reconnaissance, identify vulnerabilities, and speed up exploitation. We discuss why this is no longer theoretical, referencing findings from companies like Anthropic, including examples where models such as Claude have demonstrated both power and unpredictability. The takeaway is sobering but balanced. AI can automate a large share of the work, but human expertise still plays a defining role, both for attackers and defenders. We also dig into Cobalt's latest State of Pentesting data, including why median remediation times for serious vulnerabilities have improved while overall closure rates remain stubbornly low. Sonali breaks down why large enterprises struggle more than smaller organizations, how legacy systems slow progress, and why generative AI applications currently show some of the highest risk with some of the lowest fix rates. As more companies rush to deploy AI agents into production, this gap becomes harder to ignore. One of the strongest themes in this episode is the shift from point-in-time testing to continuous, programmatic risk reduction. Sonali explains what effective continuous pentesting looks like in practice, why automation alone creates noise and friction, and how human-led testing helps teams move from assumptions to evidence. We also address a persistent confidence gap, where leaders believe their security posture is strong, even when testing shows otherwise. We close by tackling one of the biggest myths in cybersecurity. Security is never finished. It is a constant process of preparation, testing, learning, and improvement. The organizations that perform best accept this reality and build security into daily operations rather than treating it as a one-off task. So as AI continues to accelerate both innovation and attacks, how confident are you that your security program is keeping pace, and what would continuous testing change inside your organization? I would love to hear your thoughts. Useful Links Connect with Sonali Shah Learn more about Cobalt Check out the Cobalt Learning Center State of Pentesting Report Thanks to our sponsors, Alcor, for supporting the show.

Jan 29

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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.