The Tech Talks Daily Podcast Neil C. Hughes

Are we witnessing a tech evolution or merely chasing the latest shiny object? Today on Tech Talks Daily, we're thrilled to welcome Evan Goldberg, EVP and Founder of Oracle NetSuite, as we explore the journey and future of cloud computing and AI integration within business software. We’re broadcasting from SuiteConnect in London, where Evan shares his excitement about connecting with industry professionals beyond the digital realm.
Evan recounts the inception of NetSuite 25 years ago, following a pivotal five-minute conversation with Oracle's Larry Ellison. This story not only marks the birth of the world's first cloud software company but also encapsulates a moment that defined an era of internet and business software revolution.
As we discuss the flashy allure of AI in today’s tech landscape, Evan draws parallels to early challenges at NetSuite, emphasizing the importance of not getting sidetracked by allure without substance. With Oracle recently unveiling plans to infuse AI across NetSuite, Evan explains how "Text Enhance" and broader AI applications are set to transform user experiences and operational efficiency, aligning with the core needs of CEOs across industries.
Addressing the economic uncertainties of our time, Evan reflects on lessons from the dot-com bubble and the resilience shown during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering sage advice for navigating recessional periods. He also touches on learning from setbacks, underscoring how past failures pave the way for future successes.
In a world increasingly driven by ESG goals and social consciousness, Evan discusses how businesses can achieve success while genuinely contributing to societal good—an ethos deeply ingrained in NetSuite’s operations.
Looking ahead, Evan reveals the tech trends that energize him each morning and previews what’s on the horizon for NetSuite's customers. Lastly, for those feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace of technological change, Evan shares his strategies for continuous learning and keeping abreast of industry evolution.
Join us for this enlightening discussion and share your thoughts: How do you stay current and balanced in the face of incessant tech advancements?

Are software and platform companies poised to conquer the next wave of innovation, or are internal obstacles derailing their trajectory? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, we sit down with Kevan Yalowitz, the global lead for Software & Platforms at Accenture, who brings over 15 years of experience at the nexus of business and technology.
Kevan unpacks the rapid evolution within the software and platforms industry, which has dramatically reshaped our daily interactions from shopping to socializing. Despite the industry's drive towards constant hypergrowth, there lurks a series of internal challenges—organizational siloes, complex processes, and unfocused engineering talent—that could stall future advancements.
In our conversation, Kevan outlines a strategic roadmap designed for these companies to navigate through these hurdles. He highlights four critical pillars: leveraging generative AI for new growth opportunities, crafting compelling user experiences, enhancing employee engagement, and unlocking internal value. Each component plays a pivotal role in not only overcoming existing challenges but also in solidifying a foundation for sustained innovation.
As we explore these themes, we ponder a crucial question: How can software and platform companies recalibrate their strategies to thrive amidst these evolving challenges? Join us as we delve into this topic, and after listening, we invite you to share your views on whether your favorite tech brands are truly ready for the next chapter of growth.
 

Has the longstanding belief in Apple's invulnerability to cyber threats finally been shattered? In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, we're joined by Jaron Bradley, Director of Threat Labs at Jamf, to dissect this evolving narrative. As Apple devices have become commonplace in professional environments, they've also become hot targets for sophisticated cyber threats, including trojans, ransomware, and Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs).
Jaron will unpack the seismic shift in the threat landscape for Apple's ecosystem, highlighting the transition from nuisance adware to more menacing malware varieties that now plague Mac environments. We’ll explore why the myth of Apple's security invincibility is dissipating and discuss the strategic importance of acknowledging and addressing these vulnerabilities within organizational cyber frameworks.
Moreover, Jaron will shed light on the dire state of cyber hygiene, particularly on mobile devices, and provide actionable insights on how organizations can bolster their defenses against this new wave of threats. With Jamf's cutting-edge solutions at the forefront, we'll delve into practical measures for enhancing security protocols and ensuring robust protection for Apple devices.
As we navigate through these complex challenges, one question remains: Are we doing enough to adapt our security strategies to keep pace with these sophisticated threats? After listening, share your thoughts on how prepared you think organizations really are to tackle this new era of Apple vulnerabilities.

How do you build a thriving tech company that supports tradespeople while revolutionizing an industry rooted in tradition? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Sam Pillar, the co-founder and CEO of Jobber, to uncover the remarkable journey of transforming how small home service businesses operate.
Sam shares his inspirational story of meeting his co-founder, Forest, in a coffee shop and how their shared vision led to the creation of a powerful platform that makes everyday tasks easier for home service providers like HVAC technicians, painters, and landscapers. Jobber helps these tradespeople move from pen-and-paper inefficiency to streamlined, profitable operations, allowing them to focus on their craft and create "blue-collar millionaires."
We discuss the challenges of convincing small businesses to trust cloud software, the critical importance of consistency, and the unique opportunities that exist in traditional industries ripe for disruption. Sam also reveals how emerging AI technologies will further streamline back-office processes and enhance customer service.
As you listen, consider the untapped potential within your industry or community. How can technology improve lives and foster business growth in ways that have yet to be explored? Please share your thoughts with us after the episode!

In this Tech Talks Daily Podcast episode, I sit down with Richard Hummel from NETSCOUT to delve into the ever-evolving DDoS threat landscape. Why has there been an explosion in hacktivist groups and DDoS attack activity this year, and what does this mean for organizations across all sectors? With over 1,200 hacktivist groups active in 2023 alone, the threat landscape is more challenging than ever.
We explore how geopolitical tensions are directly influencing attack strategies and targets, resulting in a continuous onslaught of sophisticated attacks that challenge traditional defense mechanisms. Critical infrastructure, particularly DNS servers, is being targeted with unprecedented frequency, posing significant risks to the stability of the internet itself.
Richard provides valuable insights into how attackers are employing more advanced tactics, including leveraging public cloud hosting to evade defenses and utilizing AI to generate potent attacks. He also highlights how global conflicts, elections, and political unrest directly trigger hacktivist activity, with adversaries often striking both sides of a conflict.
To help organizations defend themselves, Richard shares the importance of adopting a predictive defense strategy based on real-time threat intelligence, stressing that visibility into network traffic is critical. With proactive blocking of known adversary infrastructure and AI chatbots identifying new attack vectors, Richard outlines practical recommendations for staying ahead of the curve.
Tune in to understand the risks, challenges, and the strategies organizations can implement to bolster their defenses. Do you feel adequately prepared for this evolving threat landscape, or is your organization vulnerable to these increasingly sophisticated attacks? Listen and share your thoughts!
 
 

Have you ever wondered how the evolving role of finance is being transformed by AI and new technology? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Pam McIntyre, Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller at OneStream Software, to explore how AI tools are reshaping finance roles and tackling the industry's talent shortage.
We'll discuss the current challenges facing finance professionals and the shortage of candidates with the right skills. Pam shares her perspective on how AI is automating routine tasks, empowering finance teams to focus on strategic decision-making and become true partners in business growth. She reveals how OneStream's platform provides real-time insights, allowing finance leaders to look around corners and deliver trusted data and insights that support forward-looking decisions.
Pam draws on her wealth of experience in senior finance leadership to highlight how AI is changing the profession, not just by automating tasks, but by shifting finance from being mere record-keepers to strategic advisors. Learn how companies can leverage these tools to attract emerging talent, retain tenured employees, and equip finance professionals with the analytics and skepticism skills necessary for success.
Join us as we delve into how technology is changing the role of finance, the CFO, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. How will AI impact finance as it continues to evolve? Listen in, and then share your thoughts!