Tech Me Seriously!

Sarah Tenisi
  • 5.0 (4)
  • BUSINESS

I believe we all have stories to share with one another and some of our experience could be exactly what someone else needs to unlock their potential. That's why I host this podcast. My goal is that every listener leaves with a nugget of information that could lead to transformational change. 

  1. June An: Turning Community and Relationships into Business Growth

    MAR 4

    June An: Turning Community and Relationships into Business Growth

    In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech and host of the show, sits down with June An to explore how community-driven culture, relationship-based sales, and operational discipline differentiate TenisiTech in a competitive managed services market. June shares how TenisiTech evolved from a family-run startup into a 35-person professional IT services company without losing its personal connection. The conversation examines how blending a family mindset with enterprise-level efficiency creates stronger employee engagement, higher client trust, and long-term retention. They discuss how TenisiTech’s San Diego North County business community grew from 600 to nearly 1,000 local executives, reinforcing trust-based networking and relationship selling. June explains how authentic, consultative sales—rather than product-driven pitches—results in sustainable growth, stronger referrals, and deeper client loyalty. The episode also dives into strategic IT planning for small and mid-sized businesses, including staged infrastructure upgrades, cloud migration, cybersecurity accountability, compliance support, and license consolidation that can uncover significant cost savings. Sarah and June outline how proactive IT management replaces break-fix cycles and improves operational scalability. AI adoption is another key theme. June shares how TenisiTech integrates AI tools to automate repetitive tasks—such as ticket categorization and CRM workflows—while protecting the human relationships that clients value most. The conversation emphasizes that AI should enhance service efficiency, not replace personal engagement. Throughout the discussion, Sarah and June highlight how leadership alignment, continuous improvement, operational transparency, and responsive local support drive measurable client outcomes. In this episode, you’ll learn: How community building strengthens company culture and client trustWhy relationship-based MSP sales outperform rigid product-driven modelsHow staged IT modernization reduces technical debt and supports scalabilityThe financial impact of software license consolidation and proactive IT strategyHow AI can improve operational efficiency without sacrificing human connectionWhy accountability and ownership improve cybersecurity and compliance outcomesThis episode offers a practical look at how culture, strategy, and disciplined operations create long-term success in managed IT services.

    49 min

  2. FEB 24

    Shehara Wooten: Designing Financial Freedom for Sustainable Success

    In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech and host of the show, sits down with Shehara Wooten, CFP®, fee-only financial advisor and founder of Your Story Financial, to discuss strategic financial planning, funded sabbaticals, and building long-term wealth without burnout. Shehara shares how her background as an electrical and computer engineer led her to financial planning, where she now helps high-earning professionals design fully funded sabbaticals, strengthen cash flow strategy, and align their money with purpose. The conversation explores how financial burnout affects career performance, why traditional retirement planning often misses the bigger picture, and how intentional life design creates sustainable success. Together, they break down the mechanics of sabbatical planning, including building a sabbatical fund, calculating runway, and protecting long-term wealth while taking extended time off. Shehara also explains the importance of working with a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor to ensure unbiased, commission-free advice. The discussion expands to career transitions, wealth-building for professionals, financial wellness in the workplace, and how employers can reduce burnout through smarter financial education and flexible policies. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to plan and fund a sabbatical without compromising retirement goalsThe difference between fee-only financial planning and commission-based adviceHow high earners can move from financial success to financial freedomPractical strategies for cash flow management and wealth buildingWhy career breaks can increase long-term productivity and leadership capacityIf you are a tech professional, executive, or high achiever looking to reduce financial stress, build generational wealth, or design a career that includes intentional rest, this episode offers practical financial strategy and long-term planning insights you can implement immediately. Connect with Shehara Wooten Your Story Financial, LLC

    57 min

  3. 12/04/2025

    Bryan Bansbach: Smart AI Starts with Strong Automation

    In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech, sits down with Bryan Bansbach, Director of Infrastructure Operations at TenisiTech, to unpack what smart AI adoption really looks like inside modern IT teams. Bryan shares why the most successful organizations start with strong automation and clear goals before bringing AI into the mix, and how skipping these steps leads to wasted effort, security risk, and overwhelmed employees. Sarah and Bryan dive into early AI wins like automated ticket categorization and faster knowledge retrieval, along with the very real limits of letting AI make decisions on critical systems. They also highlight why data hygiene, vendor vetting, and tight access controls matter more than ever as tools like Microsoft Copilot gain deep visibility across company environments. 🎧 Listen for practical insight on building a secure, intentional AI strategy that improves workflows, reduces cognitive load, and helps your teams thrive without compromising stability or trust.

    55 min

  4. 11/24/2025

    Jossie Haines: Smart AI Adoption That Builds Effective High-Impact Teams

    In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech, sits down with Jossie Haines, Executive & Leadership Coach and Fractional Engineering Leader with 25 years at Apple, Tile, Zynga, and American Express. Jossie shares why many companies are overspending on AI without seeing real ROI, and how vague mandates, poor guidance, and early misuse lead to buggy code, security risks, and wasted productivity. She and Sarah dig into the human side of adoption, including research showing how unconscious bias impacts women and older engineers who openly use AI, and why leaders must create clear use cases, model healthy AI habits, and integrate tools intentionally rather than reactively. They also break down the hidden dangers of shadow AI, the importance of engineering oversight, and how custom GPTs and strategic coaching can help leaders amplify their impact without sacrificing quality or safety. 🎧 Listen for practical insight on aligning AI to real business problems, reducing risk, and empowering teams with thoughtful, human-centered leadership. 👉 Connect with Jossie Haines 🌐 jossiehaines.com  📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jossiehaines 📘 Free Guide: 4 AI Workflows Every Tech Leader Should Automate https://jossiehaines.com/ai-workflows-engineering-leaders/

    55 min

  5. 10/28/2025

    Carlo Cacciatore: Managing the J Curve - Leading Through Technology Change

    In Part 2 of Sarah Tenisi and Carlo Cacciatore’s conversation, the discussion turns from IT service delivery to the human side of technology implementation: the J curve. The J curve captures the emotional and productivity dip teams experience when adopting new systems. Sarah and Carlo unpack why this happens, what it means for leadership, and how organizations can navigate through the low point to achieve lasting transformation. They explore: How different teams experience the J curve during major tech rolloutsStrategies for change management, communication, and trainingThe importance of leadership engagement and storytelling with dataManaging Shadow IT and tool sprawl across modern workplacesBalancing simplicity, AI integration, and compliance in today’s SaaS ecosystemFrom emotional readiness to practical execution, this episode offers a blueprint for IT leaders aiming to guide their organizations through the complexities of change and come out stronger on the other side.

    34 min

  6. 09/23/2025

    Carlo Cacciatore: The Truth About MSP Quality & Pricing

    Not all IT services are created equal, and the consequences can affect your business more than you realize. In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi sits down with Carlo Cacciatore, VP of Operations at TenisiTech, to explore the realities of IT service delivery, pricing, and industry maturity. Unlike regulated professions such as electricians or accountants, managed service providers (MSPs) don’t require licenses to operate. That means anyone, even “cousin Joe”, can handle sensitive business data, leading to wide gaps in service quality. Carlo and Sarah cover: Comprehensive IT service scope: from cloud security to identity protection and workflow automationHow pricing varies based on infrastructure complexity, compliance requirements, and business typeHidden IT costs and the importance of audits for cost optimizationKey factors when evaluating MSP partners: service clarity, team expertise, and regional supportEquipment lifecycle planning and staged replacement strategies for predictable budgetingWhether you manage IT in-house or partner with an MSP, this conversation highlights the operational and strategic decisions that drive successful technology outcomes. 👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where Sarah and Carlo dive into the “J curve” of IT projects and share strategies to help teams navigate implementation challenges.

    42 min
  7. Misty Phillip: Leading with Purpose in Life, Tech & Influence

    08/25/2025

    Misty Phillip: Leading with Purpose in Life, Tech & Influence

    In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech and host of the show, sits down with Misty Phillip—author, speaker, and COO of TrilogyWorks—to explore how women can lead with purpose, boldness, and resilience across every season of life. Misty shares the strategic framework she’s developed over years of experience in publishing, podcasting, entrepreneurship, and now the cybersecurity and AI space. Together, she and Sarah discuss how small, intentional decisions can compound into powerful influence, whether at home, in business, or in ministry. They dive into the evolution of women’s leadership, redefining influence beyond social media, and the importance of adapting your focus as life transitions. Misty also shares how she’s helping clients navigate AI disruption, cybersecurity challenges, and tech infrastructure, all while staying grounded in faith and purpose. 🎧 Listen for insight on leading through transitions, building authentic communities, and sparking lasting influence, one season at a time. 👉 Connect with Misty Phillip 📚 MistyPhillip.com 🔒 TrilogyWorks.com

    48 min

  8. 08/04/2025

    Kathy Sebuck: Connected Balance™ - Strategic Leadership Without Burnout

    In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech and host of the show, talks with Kathy Sebuck, an award-winning communicator, strategic advisor, and founder of Marchitecture, about how modern leaders can create sustainable, high-performing teams without sacrificing well-being. Kathy introduces the Connected Balance™ Experience (CBE)—a leadership framework grounded in neuroscience, heart coherence, and energy management. Drawing on over 25 years of leadership experience at companies such as Microsoft, SAP, AWS, and Citrix, she shares how performance can thrive when leaders prioritize internal alignment over external validation. Together, Sarah and Kathy explore what it means to “be the leader you never had” and how emotional regulation, clarity, and core values alignment can transform both culture and business outcomes. 🧠 You’ll learn: How heart rate variability and nervous system regulation enhance leadership performanceWhy burnout in tech is a systemic issue, not a personal failingThe connection between trust, retention, and community-buildingPractical ways to build calm, focused teams (even during disruption)How to shift from “busy culture” to purposeful leadershipWhether you’re a founder, fractional leader, or aspiring exec, this episode is packed with real-world insights, science-backed strategies, and a refreshing reminder: it’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what matters. 🔗 Connect with Kathy Sebuck: Website: www.marchitecture.tech LinkedIn: Kathy Sebuck Company LinkedIn: Marchitecture Book: Waves of Change ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Tech Me Seriously 00:29 – Meet Kathy Sebuck: Strategic Communicator, Athlete, and Leadership Advisor 01:30 – Connected Balance™: Integrating Heart, Mind, and Body in Decision-Making 05:14 – Using Heart Rate Variability to Enhance Performance and Reduce Stress 07:40 – Workaholism vs. Self-Worth: Rethinking Leadership from the Inside Out 11:09 – Why Tech Rewards Burnout: Historical Context and Structural Challenges 12:12 – Generational Differences: Gen Z, Balance, and the Effort Conversation 23:22 – Growth Mindset Reframed: From Risk Tolerance to Curiosity 30:33 – Leadership Impact: Turnover, Retention, and Manager Relationships 32:39 – Building Trust: Weekly One-on-Ones and Personal Check-Ins 33:47 – The Cost of Turnover vs. Retention 36:00 – From “Good Place to Work” to Community-Centered Culture 45:15 – Core Values Workshop: Personal Development for Strategic Leaders 50:02 – Nature as a Leadership Tool: One Hour Outdoors Per Day 53:37 – “Be the Leader You Never Had”: Bringing It All Together

    55 min
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About

I believe we all have stories to share with one another and some of our experience could be exactly what someone else needs to unlock their potential. That's why I host this podcast. My goal is that every listener leaves with a nugget of information that could lead to transformational change. 

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Tenisi
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tech Me Seriously!
  • Show Website
    Tech Me Seriously!