Bytes and Banter

Produced by PodTechs
  • 5.0 (2)
  • TECHNOLOGY

Are you an Information Technology professional? Do you work in the IT industry? This podcast is for you. Bytes and Banter is hosted by HDI Local Chapters.

  1. 12/17/2025

    Say Yes and See What Happens: Sarah Caminiti’s CX Leadership Journey

    Discover how to reclaim your professional narrative and lead with genuine intention in a rapidly shifting tech landscape. In this episode, Rocky McGuire connects with Sarah Caminiti, Career Strategist and host of The Roundtable, to discuss her unexpected transition from "behind-the-scenes" helper to an influential public voice for ethical leadership and employee empowerment.  They dive into: • The "Unplanned" Career Snowball: How a single, detailed community response transformed Sarah's career into a journey of panels and podcasting.  • Occupying Your Space: Understanding the psychological importance of "taking up space" and why shrinking yourself is a sad, limiting mindset.  • Ditching Fear-Based Tactics: A look at why leaders resort to ego and power dynamics, and how "invisible work" like advocacy can change team culture.  • Strategic Vulnerability: Why admitting you're "not at 100%" or don't have a degree can actually build deeper trust and safety within a team.  • The Interview as a Filter: How to use the hiring process to "interview them back" and why being 10% more bold helps avoid toxic workplace misalignments.  • Remote Work & The Human Connection: Why remote teams must be intentional about meeting in person to prevent colleagues from becoming just "icons in Slack."  • AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: How the rise of AI makes human skills like strategic problem-solving and ethical implementation more valuable than ever.  Sarah Caminiti is a retention strategist and support leader known for bringing clarity, honesty, and operational depth to the customer experience world. As the creator of the CX Roundtable, she helps teams rethink how they build, lead, and scale support—grounding every conversation in real data, human behavior, and sustainable growth. Sarah’s work sits at the intersection of leadership, power dynamics, and customer loyalty, making her a sought-after voice for organizations ready to move beyond buzzwords and build systems that actually work. Follow Sarah Caminiti on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-caminiti-5827b784/    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HDI Local Chapters is an all volunteer not-for-profit that brings Technical Support professionals together to connect, share and discuss common challenges, and learn from industry innovators and each other --- https://www.hdilocalchapters.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bytes and Banter Podcast Team   Creative Producer/Host: Rocky McGuire - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockymcguire/ Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/ Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/ Associate Producer/Alternate Host:   Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/ Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com

    54 min

  2. 11/19/2025

    It Pays to Know: Landing Your Dream Job or Dream Hire in 2026 (Robert Half Salary Guide)

    Unlock the insights you need to land your dream job—or your next great hire—in 2026. In this episode, Rocky sits down with Cassandra Benner, Branch Director at Robert Half, to break down the brand-new Robert Half Salary Guide and what it reveals about hiring trends, high-demand roles, and how both candidates and employers can stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. They dive into: • The most in-demand roles across AI, data, and emerging tech • Why job titles vary—and why job descriptions matter more • Salary transparency and how it builds trust with candidates • Certifications that move the needle (AWS, Azure & more) • Soft skills companies can’t find enough of: adaptability, EQ, problem-solving • How contract talent keeps projects on track and fills critical skill gaps • What employers must offer beyond pay—flexibility, balance, and wellness Download the Robert Half 2026 Salary Guide - https://rh.roberthalf.com/ujmS4 About Our Guest Cassandra Benner is a Branch Director at Robert Half Technology, specializing in recruitment strategy, business development, and leading high-performing teams. She’s known for creating standout experiences for clients and candidates and building strong, lasting partnerships. Cassandra develops innovative hiring solutions tailored to each organization’s unique needs. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Sciences from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors with her dogs.    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HDI Local Chapters is an all volunteer not-for-profit that brings Technical Support professionals together to connect, share and discuss common challenges, and learn from industry innovators and each other --- https://www.hdilocalchapters.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bytes and Banter Podcast Team   Creative Producer/Host: Rocky McGuire - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockymcguire/ Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/ Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/ Associate Producer/Alternate Host:   Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/ Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com

    31 min

  3. 10/23/2025

    Why CX Complexity Is Exploding (and What to Do About It)

    Contact centers are more complex than ever—AI, cloud platforms, and remote work have created a perfect storm for customer experience leaders. In this episode, Luke Jamieson, CX evangelist and host of 2020Ish, joins us to unpack the collision of technology and experience. Luke shares how CX observability can reveal the upstream technical issues that silently erode trust, introduces the “10 by 10 rule” for agent burnout, and makes the case for a universal CX risk score to help IT and CX leaders speak the same language. He also reflects on his 25-year journey from the phones to the frontlines of innovation, and why treating both customers and employees well isn’t just good business—it’s the foundation for meaningful work. 🎙️ Topics include: The new complexity of contact center operations CX observability and the power of unified data The 10 by 10 rule and its link to attrition Why voice is becoming the new white-glove channel Building bridges between IT and CX teams #BytesAndBanter #CustomerExperience #ContactCenter #CXObservability #AICX #ServiceManagement #HDILocalChapters https://www.lukejamieson.live/ Luke Jamieson is a globally recognized thought leader in customer experience (CX) and the future of work, known for his infectious energy, creativity, and deep industry expertise. With over 25 years in the contact center world, Luke brings a unique perspective that blends hands-on leadership experience with a technologist’s view of how AI and data are reshaping CX. As a practitioner, he led the transformation of some of Australia’s top contact centers. Today, as a technologist and CX evangelist, he helps organizations bridge the gap between technology performance and human experience. Luke is the co-host of the wildly popular CX game show Twenty20ish, a sought-after speaker, and a featured contributor to industry outlets including ICMI, The Wall Street Journal, and The Australian. He studied Design Thinking at Stanford’s d.school and is a certified LEGO® Serious Play® facilitator, combining innovation and play to drive meaningful change in the CX space. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HDI Local Chapters is an all volunteer not-for-profit that brings Technical Support professionals together to connect, share and discuss common challenges, and learn from industry innovators and each other --- https://www.hdilocalchapters.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bytes and Banter Podcast Team Creative Producer/Host: Rocky McGuire - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockymcguire/ Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/ Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/ Associate Producer - Daniel Guinto - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-guinto-7b723630/ Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/ Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com

    49 min

  4. 09/17/2025

    The Hidden Half of Tech: Rina Brahmbhatt on IT Service Management

    What does it take to build a career in IT service management? For Rina Brahmbhatt, the journey began behind the counter at a post office in the UK and has grown into a global career as a consultant, trainer, and now author. In this conversation, she shares the twists and turns of her career path, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and what inspired her to write her upcoming book The ITSM Playbook®: Build a Future-Proof Tech Career in IT Service Management. Rina opens up about her progression through roles in IT—from administrative support and resource management to service delivery and ITSM leadership—and how each experience shaped her approach to people, process, and technology. She reflects on the challenges of frequent job changes, the importance of relationship management, and the realization that ITSM is about far more than incident and change management—it’s about using tools and frameworks to deliver real value for customers and colleagues. Her book The ITSM Playbook® offers practical guidance for anyone looking to enter or advance in IT service management. From navigating certifications and job searches to building relationships and managing career transitions, the book is designed as a roadmap for professionals at every stage. Rina also shares candid stories about balancing family, work, and writing deadlines, and how she structured her book to be both practical and approachable. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rinabrahmbhattbarot/ More info on Rina's book: www.itsmplaybook.com  About Rina Brahmbhatt Rina Brahmbhatt is a certified ITIL® Master and Service Management Director with more than 17 years of experience leading global ITSM transformations and Agile service delivery initiatives. She specializes in aligning technology with business goals, simplifying complex challenges through human-centered design, and delivering measurable service improvements. As a consultant, educator, and podcast host, Rina is passionate about mentoring teams and building cultures of excellence. Her expertise spans ServiceNow, organizational change, UX for IT, and executive training. Whether leading transformations or writing about the field, Rina is dedicated to making IT service management more accessible and impactful for professionals at all levels. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HDI Local Chapters is an all volunteer not-for-profit that brings Technical Support professionals together to connect, share and discuss common challenges, and learn from industry innovators and each other --- https://www.hdilocalchapters.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bytes and Banter Podcast Team   Creative Producer/Host: Rocky McGuire - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockymcguire/ Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/ Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/ Associate Producer - Daniel Guinto - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-guinto-7b723630/ Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/ Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com

    31 min

  5. 08/21/2025

    The Great Hesitation: Navigating Today’s Tech Job Market

    Our first repeat guest! Thomas Vick, Senior Regional Director at Robert Half, returns to Bytes and Banter with fresh insights on the tech job market and how companies can unlock the talent they already have. We explore the lingering effects of the Great Resignation, why employers and candidates remain cautious, and which skills—like data security and AI expertise—are most in demand. Thomas shares how AI is reshaping roles, including the rise of governance and compliance positions in regulated industries, and why upskilling is critical to staying competitive. Plus, he gives us a preview of Robert Half’s upcoming Salary Guide, a must-read for anyone hiring or job hunting in tech. 🌐 Learn more at roberthalf.com. Thomas Vick is the Senior Regional Director for Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. Based in Chicago, he leads operations for the company’s technology, creative, and marketing talent and consulting solutions across Illinois, Tennessee, and Missouri.Since joining Robert Half in 2010, Thomas has held multiple leadership roles overseeing operations across the U.S. for several practice groups. With over 18 years in the staffing industry, he is recognized as a hiring expert and serves as a spokesperson for Robert Half, frequently quoted in media outlets on hiring trends and workplace topics.Thomas has been honored multiple times by Robert Half for his leadership and business growth. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Texas A&M University, serves as president of the HDI Chicagoland chapter, and is a member of the Executives’ Club of Chicago. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HDI Local Chapters is an all volunteer not-for-profit that brings Technical Support professionals together to connect, share and discuss common challenges, and learn from industry innovators and each other --- https://www.hdilocalchapters.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bytes and Banter Podcast Team Creative Producer/Host: Rocky McGuire - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockymcguire/ Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/ Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/ Associate Producer - Daniel Guinto - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-guinto-7b723630/ Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/ Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com

    35 min

  6. 08/06/2025

    Letters to Our Younger Selves – Advice from 24 Tech Journeys

    What would you tell your younger self at the start of your tech journey? In this special 25th episode of Bytes and Banter, we reflect on the most powerful lessons shared across our first 24 episodes. From embracing failure to choosing the harder path, our past guests open up about the advice they wish they’d received earlier in life. Whether it’s learning to ask for what you need, trusting your instincts, or letting go of limiting beliefs, this episode is full of real talk on growth, grit, and self-compassion—straight from the leaders, innovators, and storytellers who’ve lived it. 🎧 Catch up on our first 24 episodes for even more unfiltered stories from IT pros and tech leaders. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube,or your favorite platform—and follow #BytesAndBanter for conversations that connect people, purpose, and tech.

    32 min

  7. 07/23/2025

    Beyond Tickets: Creating Meaningful IT Experiences

    In this episode of Bytes and Banter, Matt Beran joins us to talk about rethinking IT service management through a more human-centered, experimental lens. From his early days as a farm kid in Minnesota to becoming a consultant and podcast host, Matt shares why he chose service design over tech leadership—and why solving unique problems still excites him. We dive into the emotional side of tech support, the limitations of surveys, and the real potential of AI in service management. Plus, Matt explains why IT needs to start listening to other departments and how being fearless (even if you fail) is key to building a meaningful career. 🎧 Want more from Matt? Check out https://mattberan.com  Matt has over 20 years of experience in Service Management. He has served in multiple roles, including positions on the service desk, as a consultant, and experience designer. His clients included enterprises of many sizes and industries. Known for challenging industry norms and practical approaches to Service Management, Matt is now a Sr. Product Specialist at InvGate, a software company building better IT experiences.  He is also the host of Ticket Volume, a podcast powered by InvGate, where he discusses topics such as IT, ITSM, Asset Management, cybersecurity, governance, and career development, along with different guests. In addition, he is a highly-regarded speaker at conferences. His favorite topics introduce new ways of thinking about service experiences and improving team collaboration.    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HDI Local Chapters is an all volunteer not-for-profit that brings Technical Support professionals together to connect, share and discuss common challenges, and learn from industry innovators and each other --- https://www.hdilocalchapters.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bytes and Banter Podcast Team   Creative Producer/Host: Rocky McGuire - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockymcguire/ Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/ Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/ Associate Producer - Daniel Guinto - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-guinto-7b723630/ Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/ Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com

    46 min

  8. 07/09/2025

    Energizing Tech Teams with Real Talk on Burnout, Leadership, and Human-Centered Service

    In this episode of Bytes and Banter, Phil Gerbyshak joins us to talk about burnout, authenticity, and building a human-centered career in tech. From his early days as a book-loving teacher at heart to becoming a coach, speaker, and advocate for tech professionals, Phil shares lessons learned about navigating career pivots, recognizing burnout, and finding energy through self-reflection and connection. We explore what it really means to lead with empathy, how to deepen professional relationships beyond hallway small talk, and why being human, helpful, and humble is more powerful than any new tool or trend. Plus, Phil reveals his go-to strategies for staying energized—and why naps, notebooks, and 3AM conversations might be the key to sustainable success. 🌐 Want more from Phil? Sign Up for his weekly writings at https://happyaf.substack.com and connect with him on LinkedIn. Phil Gerbyshak is a high-energy speaker, trainer, and former tech leader who knows the real-world pressures of IT support—because he’s lived them. With two decades in technology, sales, and leadership, Phil now helps tech teams tackle burnout, boost engagement, and lead with empathy. He’s an award-winning speaker and author featured in USA Today, Forbes, and Inc., and brings relatable, real-talk insights to every room. Whether he’s talking help desks or human connection, Phil makes it practical, memorable—and actually fun. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HDI Local Chapters is an all volunteer not-for-profit that brings Technical Support professionals together to connect, share and discuss common challenges, and learn from industry innovators and each other --- https://www.hdilocalchapters.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bytes and Banter Podcast Team Creative Producer/Host: Rocky McGuire - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockymcguire/ Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/ Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/ Associate Producer - Daniel Guinto - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-guinto-7b723630/ Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/ Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com

    28 min
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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Are you an Information Technology professional? Do you work in the IT industry? This podcast is for you. Bytes and Banter is hosted by HDI Local Chapters.

Information

  • Creator
    Produced by PodTechs
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 PodTechs
  • Show Website
    Bytes and Banter