Go Beyond The Connection

Bigleaf Networks
  • 5.0 (4)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Go Beyond the Connection is a show for business leaders, IT pros, and anyone obsessed with how connectivity shapes the modern enterprise. Listen and explores what happens beyond the internet connection—where technology, resilience, and real-world business needs intersect. In each episode, we speak with industry experts, innovators, and practitioners who are pushing the boundaries of cloud connectivity, network performance, and digital infrastructure. From hybrid work to SD-WAN, from customer experience to business continuity, we dig into the strategies that power today’s most connected organizations. Whether you’re leading IT transformation, navigating the challenges of multi-site networking, or simply want to stay sharp on emerging tech, Go Beyond the Connection delivers actionable insights in a human, engaging format. It’s not just about the tech—it’s about the people and stories behind it. Tune in, subscribe, and discover how to future-proof your business one conversation at a time.

  1. The Digital Kitchen as a Revenue Engine with Chris Demery of Blaze Pizza

    FEB 4

    The Digital Kitchen as a Revenue Engine with Chris Demery of Blaze Pizza

    The Digital Kitchen: Powering the Future of DiningWhen restaurant leaders talk about speed, reliability, and guest experience, the conversation often stops at applications and devices. But behind every digital kitchen is a network that determines whether those systems deliver or break down under pressure. In this episode of Go Beyond the Connection, we sit down with Chris Demery, Chief Technology Officer at Blaze Pizza, to explore how the digital kitchen has become the operational and revenue backbone of modern fast-casual dining. Chris brings a rare blend of experience across military leadership, restaurant operations, and enterprise technology. Having worked with brands like Domino’s, Bloomin’ Brands, P.F. Chang’s, and now Blaze Pizza, he has seen firsthand how disconnected systems create friction for both guests and operators, and how integrated, real-time data changes everything. At Blaze Pizza, the digital kitchen is not just about efficiency. It is the command center where marketing promises, operational execution, and guest expectations converge. Chris explains why predictability matters more than raw speed, especially as off-premises orders continue to grow, and how restaurants must rethink performance metrics when the majority of their “tables” now exist outside the four walls. Throughout the conversation, Chris breaks down how technology leaders can earn a true seat at the table by speaking the language of operations and finance, not just IT. He also shares how Blaze Pizza evaluates technology investments, builds business cases for franchisees, and uses real-time insights to protect top-line revenue. “If you go offline for a day, you can lose three hundred, four hundred, five hundred dollars in off-premises orders.”In this episode, you’ll learn:Why the digital kitchen has become the epicenter of restaurant operationsHow real-time data enables predictable speed of service across dine-in and off-premises ordersWhat it takes for technology leaders to earn trust with operations, marketing, and finance teamsHow integrated systems reduce guest friction and protect revenue at scale Why network resiliency is now a business requirement, not just an IT concern Whether you are a restaurant technologist, an operator, or a business leader responsible for growth and guest experience, this conversation offers practical insight into how connectivity, data, and execution intersect inside today’s digital kitchen. Listen to the full episode to hear how Chris Demery is helping Blaze Pizza deliver consistent, predictable experiences in a fast-changing dining landscape. Companies mentioned in this episode: P F Chang'sDomino's PizzaWoolman BrandsLemon BrandsBloomin BrandsCKEspan class="ql-ui"...

    31 min
  2. How the Connected Kitchen Powers the Modern Enterprise with Tom Seeker

    JAN 20

    How the Connected Kitchen Powers the Modern Enterprise with Tom Seeker

    Restaurant operations have changed. Data has replaced cash, technology touches every step of service, and disconnected systems now create more friction than progress. In this episode of Go Beyond the Connection, Tom Seeker, Chief Technology Officer at Ziggi’s Coffee, explains why the connected kitchen has become the operational heartbeat of the modern restaurant. Tom brings a rare perspective shaped by experience across the Navy, restaurant operations, and executive technology leadership. He breaks down how today’s kitchens are no longer collections of isolated tools, but living ecosystems where front-of-house, back-of-house, and back-office systems must work together in real time. When those systems fail to communicate, teams lose clarity, decisions slow down, and margins suffer. Throughout the conversation, Tom shares how integrated technology changes the way restaurants operate at every level. From guest ordering to payment reconciliation, each interaction generates data that can either become noise or be transformed into actionable intelligence. The difference lies in whether leaders design their technology stacks to work as one environment rather than a patchwork of vendors and devices. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the connected kitchen is now central to restaurant performance and scalabilityHow real-time data visibility replaces guesswork during busy shiftsWhy too much data can slow teams down if systems are not integratedHow innovation labs help operators test, certify, and deploy technology with less riskWhy CTOs who understand the business model earn a real seat at the table Tom also dives into his approach to innovation labs. Instead of changing systems blindly, his teams test multiple POS platforms, kiosks, sensors, and back-office tools together before rollout. This end-to-end testing uncovers conflicts early, reduces downtime, and helps operators avoid costly mistakes that often appear only after deployment. “The connected kitchen today is the tech stack within the restaurant that impacts how things flow between front of house and back of house, and the ability for all of your electronics to communicate in a singular world and allow data to be intelligently gathered, manipulated, and displayed so you can act in real time.” — Tom Seeker, Chief Technology Officer at Ziggi’s Coffee This episode is not about chasing the latest technology trend. It’s about building clarity. When every system speaks the same language, teams act faster, stress decreases, and leaders gain confidence in their decisions. The connected kitchen becomes a strategic advantage that protects both guest experience and profitability. If you lead technology, operations, or innovation in restaurants or multi-location environments, this conversation offers a practical framework for simplifying complexity and turning real-time information into better outcomes. Listen, watch, or explore the full episode: 🎧 Captivate Audio Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/go-beyond-the-connection/📄 Episode Blog & Podbook:a...

    38 min
  3. Tim Newton on the Digital Kitchen Advantage in QSR Operations

    JAN 8

    Tim Newton on the Digital Kitchen Advantage in QSR Operations

    Companies mentioned in this episode: Long John Silver'sPapa John'sWendy'sChili's

    30 min
  4. Service Excellence: Bjørn Jensen on Making Reliability the Real Competitive Edge

    12/10/2025

    Service Excellence: Bjørn Jensen on Making Reliability the Real Competitive Edge

    When everything is running smoothly, customers rarely think about their network. But behind every seamless experience is the work, care, and visibility that make reliability possible. In this episode of Go Beyond the Connection, Bjørn Jensen, CEO and Founder of WhyReboot, explains why service excellence has become the defining advantage for technology leaders — and why the human connection still matters most. Bjørn has spent two decades designing resilient networks for high-performance homes, professional gamers, traders, and organizations where uptime is non-negotiable. His perspective is clear: technology alone doesn’t build trust. People do. And the companies that blend technical precision with genuine partnership create loyalty that automation simply can’t replace. Bjørn shares how his team approaches service as an extension of each customer’s IT department, offering direct access to experts who understand their environment without hold times, ticket escalations, or scripted interactions. That accessibility isn’t a perk — it’s the foundation of reliable experience. As he puts it, “People are always going to want to know there’s an actual human on the other end, even if you do make mistakes. What makes us successful is that people feel like we’re actually a part of their team.” He also digs into how reliability becomes a measurable business advantage when partners can make invisible performance visible. Tools like Bigleaf help WhyReboot show exactly how networks behave — which connection dropped, how optimization protected a call, how much uptime was preserved, and why an issue was the ISP rather than on-site equipment. That level of clarity changes conversations. It reduces frustration, builds confidence, and demonstrates real value long before a problem escalates. Bjørn explains why simplicity matters just as much as sophistication. Customers don’t want to manage complex configurations or navigate multi-layer troubleshooting. They want systems that “just work,” supported by partners who listen, guide, and make their jobs easier. That philosophy underpins every WhyReboot design decision, from redundancy and failover strategies to proactive communication and lifetime service guarantees. In this episode, you’ll learn: How reliability becomes a competitive differentiator when customers can see its impactWhy service quality often matters more than technical specs in long-term loyaltyHow visibility transforms outages from stressful guesswork into confident actionWhy empathy, responsiveness, and transparency outperform automation aloneHow making support effortless generates referrals, repeat business, and sustained growth Throughout the conversation, Bjørn emphasizes that service excellence isn’t a cost center — it’s a growth engine. Companies that invest in relationships, simplify complexity, and prove value through clear data cultivate trust that lasts. Whether you support residential networks, enterprise teams, or integrator partners, his insights reveal how reliability, visibility, and human connection come together to create a customer experience people remember. Ready to see how service becomes your strongest differentiator? Listen to the full conversation with Bjørn Jensen and explore how resilient design, proactive reporting, and human-first support set the foundation for smooth, dependable connectivity. Explore more: Guest Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjornjensensr/ Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whyreboot/ Company Website: a...

    29 min
  5. Unbreakable Connectivity with Wireless-First Networks | Julian Jacquez & Dave Idle

    11/19/2025

    Unbreakable Connectivity with Wireless-First Networks | Julian Jacquez & Dave Idle

    Takeaways: The podcast illuminates the significance of managed connectivity services in today's network landscape, illustrating how they enhance customer experiences. Julian Jaquez emphasizes that wireless connections are increasingly viable and can match the reliability of wired counterparts in modern infrastructure. Dave Idle discusses the competitive landscape among wireless carriers, highlighting ongoing investments that improve connectivity options available to businesses. The conversation underscores a critical transition from legacy copper services to resilient wireless solutions that support essential business operations. Both speakers advocate for organizations to embrace dual connectivity solutions, combining wired and wireless to ensure uninterrupted service and optimal performance. The imminent advancements in wireless technology are set to redefine connectivity standards, offering businesses unprecedented flexibility and reliability in their operations. Companies mentioned in this episode: BCN Network bigleaf Networks Verizon AT&T T Mobile Starlink

    30 min
  6. Future Backwards Thinking: How CTOs Should Build Today’s Technology Strategy with Claus Torp Jensen

    11/12/2025

    Future Backwards Thinking: How CTOs Should Build Today’s Technology Strategy with Claus Torp Jensen

    What if you stopped optimizing for today and started building from 2040 backward? That’s the challenge Claus Torp Jensen, Chief Technology Officer at the University of Texas Medical Center and Dell Medical School, brings to this conversation with host Steve MacDonald. A technologist turned storyteller, Claus has served as a Chief Innovation Officer and advisor across industries. He believes the best technology leaders don’t just react to change—they prepare for it. In this episode, he explains how to anchor strategy in a clear future destination, then engineer the steps that make it real. Together, Steve and Claus explore how future backwards thinking reshapes long-term planning for hospitals, networks, and people-centric innovation. Claus shares examples from his work designing a next-generation academic medical center, where the building itself becomes part of the care team. He discusses robotics and human collaboration, individualized therapies created at the point of care, and why waiting rooms may soon give way to functional lounges that onboard patients into follow-up programs. This future-first mindset also applies to infrastructure. Claus outlines how generalized sensors paired with smart algorithms can simplify data collection while edge computing filters out noise so teams act faster on what matters. He argues that connectivity is no longer just business-critical—it’s mission-critical—and that healthcare networks must be engineered with double or triple redundancy across wired and wireless paths to ensure patient safety and operational continuity. Yet technology alone isn’t enough. Claus emphasizes that leadership and storytelling are the glue that hold complex programs together. Knowing who your “chief storytellers” are—and empowering them to share the why behind the work—helps sustain culture and momentum over years of transformation. “Nobody can predict the future, but you can prepare for it. Ask yourself, where do you want to be in 2040? It’s mind-boggling how it changes the conversation if you start with the future and then you try to go backwards.” — Claus Torp Jensen Key LearningsStart with 2040, then work backward. Define the end state first so roadmaps, standards, and budgets line up with where you need to be—not just what’s possible today.Design for blended teams and care. Plan spaces for people and robots to share corridors, build labs for individualized therapies, and turn waiting rooms into active engagement lounges.Build wide sensing with smart interpretation. Combine generalized sensors with specialized algorithms and edge computing to deliver faster, more accurate insights.Treat connectivity as clinical risk management. Engineer redundant paths and measure continuity, not just uptime, with clinicians and operations as partners.Lead with people and story. Identify storytellers who connect vision to daily work and make long-horizon change feel tangible. If you’re responsible for networks, applications, or facility programs, this episode offers a practical way to prepare for what’s coming while improving reliability today. 🎧 Listen now, share it with your team, and subscribe to Go Beyond the Connection for more conversations with leaders building for resilience, performance, and human impact. Companies mentioned: University of Texas Medical Center, Dell Medical School, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Six Sigma Guest Links:Claus Torp Jensen on LinkedIna href="https://www.linkedin.com/school/the-dell-medical-school-at-the-university-of-texas-at-austin" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    28 min
  7. The Digital Kitchen: From Cost Center to Growth Driver with Chris Incorvati | Go Beyond the Connection Podcast

    11/05/2025

    The Digital Kitchen: From Cost Center to Growth Driver with Chris Incorvati | Go Beyond the Connection Podcast

    Links referenced in this episode: linkedin.com/in/chris-inkarvar Companies mentioned in this episode: Jack's Family Restaurants Legal Seafoods Panera

    26 min
  8. Why Businesses Rely on a Wireless-First Infrastructure with Arvin Singh

    10/29/2025

    Why Businesses Rely on a Wireless-First Infrastructure with Arvin Singh

    Wireless-first is no longer a provocative idea—it’s how modern enterprises move faster and stay resilient. In this episode, we unpack what changed and why treating wireless as a primary path gives you speed to value, stability under load, and freedom from construction timelines. Our guest is Arvin Singh, Founder and CEO at NextGen Technology Advisory. After nearly two decades at Verizon leading global presales and 5G & edge innovation teams, Arvin now advises startups, telcos, and enterprise leaders on turning connectivity into measurable business outcomes. He explains how fixed wireless access and SD-WAN matured well beyond “backup,” what private 5G unlocks on campus, and how multi-mode designs reduce risk while simplifying operations for lean IT teams. What you’ll learn Why wireless-first became proven for primary business connectivity across hundreds of thousands of sitesHow SD-WAN, application priority, and multi-carrier diversity harden uptime and protect critical workflowsWhere private 4G/5G, neutral-host, and satellite-backed options extend reach and control for industrial and remote operationsWays faster turn-ups shorten time to revenue, improve customer experience, and reduce acquisition costsHow to pilot the right way: measure real app performance, not just a speed test, and translate results into business KPIs “Put a business application on it and see for yourself the kind of performance, reliability, and resiliency these networks offer.” — Arvin Singh If you’re still defaulting to wired-only assumptions, this conversation gives you a practical path to test, validate, and scale wireless-first with confidence. You’ll hear how leaders pair day-one fixed wireless with SD-WAN for stability, add wired where it makes sense, and use private cellular to isolate sensitive workloads. The result is a network that turns openings into on-time launches, protects payments and voice during busy periods, and frees IT from chasing circuit timelines. Start with a scoped pilot, define KPIs that matter to your business, and let the data guide your rollout. Listen and Learn More 🎧 Watch the full episode and read the recap▶️ YouTube Playlist💬 Follow the LinkedIn Newsletter🔗 Subscribe to the Captivate Feed Takeaways: The evolution of wireless technology necessitates a paradigm shift towards wireless-first network strategies. Businesses must embrace the reliability of wireless networks to enhance operational efficiency and customer experiences. With the advancements in 5G technology, wireless connections can now serve as primary communication channels for various applications. Leveraging customer experience is crucial for business success and can be significantly improved through effective wireless connectivity. The integration of multiple network modalities, including wired, wireless, and satellite, can enhance connectivity resilience and performance. Testing fixed wireless connections with business applications is vital to understanding their potential and...

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Go Beyond the Connection is a show for business leaders, IT pros, and anyone obsessed with how connectivity shapes the modern enterprise. Listen and explores what happens beyond the internet connection—where technology, resilience, and real-world business needs intersect. In each episode, we speak with industry experts, innovators, and practitioners who are pushing the boundaries of cloud connectivity, network performance, and digital infrastructure. From hybrid work to SD-WAN, from customer experience to business continuity, we dig into the strategies that power today’s most connected organizations. Whether you’re leading IT transformation, navigating the challenges of multi-site networking, or simply want to stay sharp on emerging tech, Go Beyond the Connection delivers actionable insights in a human, engaging format. It’s not just about the tech—it’s about the people and stories behind it. Tune in, subscribe, and discover how to future-proof your business one conversation at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Bigleaf Networks
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Bigleaf Networks
  • Show Website
    Go Beyond The Connection