The Digital Shift

Darren Michael
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Welcome to The Digital Shift — where we explore the edge of innovation, tech, and business. This channel dives deep into digital transformation, future tech, AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, automation, and emerging trends shaping industries worldwide. Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or IT enthusiast, you’ll find insights on digital strategy, innovation management, data-driven decision making, and the future of business technology. Our podcast episodes feature expert interviews, thought leadership, and real-world analysis on how artificial intelligence, cybersecurity strategies, disruptive innovation, and digital ecosystems impact growth and opportunity. From the latest in tech trends, business innovation, and the future of work to practical strategies for staying competitive, we deliver content designed to inspire, inform, and help you navigate the digital shift. Subscribe today to stay ahead in the world of innovation and technology.

  1. JAN 22

    From Struggle to Cyber Success: How AI is Powering New Career Paths

    AI education, cybersecurity training, and community empowerment—TekHub Labs is changing lives. In this episode of The Digital Shift, we explore how Deonté Caesar, Chief Executive Officer of TekHub Labs, is using AI and cybersecurity to transform communities and help disenfranchised individuals break into the tech industry. TekHub Labs, a nonprofit organization, focuses on upskilling teachers, medical professionals, and career changers with hands-on training in CompTIA Security+, AI essentials, and AI governance—preparing them for high-demand, future-ready roles. This conversation dives deep into how AI, automation, and education are reshaping the job market, why workforce competition is tougher than ever, and what it really takes to stand out in cybersecurity today. Key Highlights: 💡 Empowering underserved communities through cybersecurity & AI education 📚 Transitioning to nonprofit to expand impact and funding opportunities 🤝 Partnerships with Microsoft & Afrotech to drive visibility and trust ⚙ Tackling student retention & workforce motivation challenges 🚀 Future vision: AI governance, risk assessment, and social mobility 🎯 Advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals on consistency and curiosity If you’re passionate about cybersecurity, AI education, or tech for social good, this episode will reignite your sense of purpose and innovation. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Digital Shift for more conversations at the edge of technology, AI, and human potential. 👉 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalShiftOfficial?sub_confirmation=1 🏫 Skool: Become an automation expert https://www.skool.com/smooth-automation-1830 🧑 Today's Guest Information: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deont%C3%A9-caesar-cisa-7137a277/ Website: http://www.tekhublabs.com/ ⏱ Timestamps 00:00:00 – Lighting the Fuse: Deonté’s Mission to Empower 00:07:07 – Service & Leadership Foundations 00:08:31 – TekHub Labs Nonprofit Mission 00:10:06 – Empowering Communities Through Cybersecurity & AI 00:12:23 – Community Giving & Outreach in Houston 00:13:49 – Workforce Shifts and AI’s Job Market Impact 00:16:51 – Standing Out in a Competitive Cybersecurity Market 00:20:55 – Grant Support & AI Funding Opportunities 00:21:34 – Partnerships and Organizational Growth 00:22:30 – Student Retention & Motivation Strategies 00:24:53 – Staff Recognition and Morale 00:27:13 – Future of AI Governance & Data Privacy 00:29:47 – Expanding Outreach to Underserved Populations 00:32:00 – Marketing Challenges & Global Growth Vision 00:34:10 – Leadership Lessons & Advice for Cyber Professionals 00:36:00 – Reflections 🔖 Hashtags #TheDigitalShift #AI #Cybersecurity #EdTech #DigitalInclusion #TechPodcast #Innovation #Automation #FutureOfWork #CareerGrowth #AIEducation #AIForGood #CyberTraining #Leadership #NonprofitTech #TechForGood #DataPrivacy #WorkforceDevelopment #AIinBusiness #TechCommunity

    37 min

  2. JAN 15

    The EV Cyber Grid: AI’s Role in Securing the Charging Future

    Cybersecurity and AI in EV charging — a critical intersection shaping the next wave of sustainable infrastructure. In this episode of The Digital Shift, we explore how AI automation, cyber defense, and operational monitoring are transforming electric vehicle charging networks. Our guest, Anders Viden, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer at EcoSec Works, reveals how their AI-powered platform is tackling one of the biggest challenges in the EV sector — downtime and vulnerability at charging hubs. With charge point operators facing 8%–30% downtime, EcoSec Works brings generative and agentic AI to detect threats, predict failures, and restore uptime faster than ever. Key highlights from this episode: ⚡ The hidden cybersecurity risks in EV charging infrastructure 🤖 How AI agents are transforming both defense and attack in cybersecurity 🔋 The operational complexity of EV hubs as microgrids 💡 Why real-time insights are critical for charge point operators 🚀 EcoSec Works’ journey to launch an AI-driven MVP across the US & Europe 🧠 Market adoption challenges in the energy and sustainability sector 🌍 How education and real-world stories are driving industry trust If you’re in cybersecurity, energy tech, or AI innovation, this conversation is your glimpse into the future of resilient, intelligent infrastructure. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations at the edge of AI, cybersecurity, and automation. 👉 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalShiftOfficial?sub_confirmation=1 🏫 Skool: Become an automation expert — https://www.skool.com/smooth-automation-1830 🧑 Today's Guest Information: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anders-viden-7b73082/ Website: https://ecosecworks.ai/ ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00:00 – The Charge Before the Storm 00:06:45 – Downtime and Cyber Risks in EV Charging 00:08:15 – AI-Powered Automation & Monitoring Platform 00:11:15 – AI’s Dual Role: Defender and Attacker 00:15:30 – Securing Hybrid Cloud & EV Infrastructure 00:21:45 – Market Validation and Early Deployments 00:23:15 – Investor Strategy & Growth Plans 00:24:40 – Market Barriers and Educational Outreach 00:26:00 – Using Real-World Stories to Drive Awareness 00:28:45 – Industry Tipping Point and AI Trust Building 00:31:45 – Pilot Projects & Key Growth Metrics 00:34:55 – Operational Philosophy & Final Advice 00:35:29 – Final Sparks & Powering the Future #TheDigitalShift #Cybersecurity #AI #EVCharging #SmartGrid #GreenTech #CyberDefense #Automation #Sustainability #EnergySecurity #TechPodcast #Innovation #ElectricVehicles #AIAutomation #DigitalTransformation #InfrastructureSecurity #RenewableEnergy #FutureOfEnergy #CyberRisk #TechTrends

    37 min

  3. JAN 8

    The AI Patent Battle: How Small Firms Are Winning Big in IP Law

    AI patents, intellectual property law, trademark protection, and copyright risks are changing fast — and few understand this better than Anthony Verna, Managing Partner of Verna Law, P.C. In this episode of The Digital Shift, we explore how boutique firms are helping tech founders and AI innovators safeguard their ideas and digital assets in an evolving legal landscape. With a background in computer science and nearly a decade leading his own IP firm, Anthony bridges the gap between technology and law. From AI-driven inventions to complex trademark strategies, he’s redefining what modern IP protection looks like when innovation outpaces regulation. Key Highlights: ⚖️ Why AI inventions are changing the rules of patent law 💡 How small firms are delivering big results in tech IP 🚨 Rising litigation risks around digital assets and copyright 📈 USPTO’s new challenges: shorter response times & higher filing fees 🤖 The coming wave of AI-related copyright cases 🧠 How client education is reshaping IP protection strategies If you’re a tech founder, innovator, or business owner navigating the fast-changing world of AI and intellectual property, this episode will give you the roadmap to stay protected — and ahead of the curve. 🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Shift for more conversations at the intersection of technology, innovation, and business. 👉 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalShiftOfficial?sub_confirmation=1 🏫 Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/smooth-automation-1830 🧑 Today’s Guest Information: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyverna/ Website: https://vernalaw.com/ ⏱ Timestamps 00:00:00 – The Spark Before the Strategy 00:01:19 – Anthony Verna’s Background & Tech-to-Law Journey 00:04:28 – Inside Verna Law’s Boutique Team Structure 00:08:34 – Personalized Client Attention & Industries Served 00:14:31 – Protecting AI Inventions: The Legal Tightrope 00:23:42 – Trademark Strategy & Avoiding USPTO Rejections 00:26:42 – Educating Clients Through IP Podcasts 00:31:23 – Copyright Risks in the Age of Digital Assets 00:35:42 – AI Copyright Litigation: What’s Coming Next 00:37:18 – Adapting to New USPTO Procedures 00:41:11 – Overcoming Patent and Trademark Challenges 00:42:53 – Big Takeaways & Power Moves for Innovators #TheDigitalShift #AILaw #IntellectualProperty #CyberLaw #PatentLaw #TrademarkProtection #CopyrightLaw #AIInnovation #LegalTech #BusinessLaw #Entrepreneurship #DigitalAssets #USPTO #AIInBusiness #TechnologyLaw #StartupLaw #Innovation #FutureOfLaw #LegalStrategy #TechPodcast

    44 min

  4. 12/22/2025

    AI, Storytelling & The Future of PR: How Salient Reinvented Tech Visibility

    AI and storytelling are reshaping the world of public relations. Discover how Salient PR’s Justin Mauldin is redefining the PR landscape for tech startups and cybersecurity firms — leveraging AI, creativity, and senior-level expertise to deliver impact in an evolving media world. In this episode of The Digital Shift, we dive into how Justin built a fast-growing PR agency that doubled revenue this year, plans another 100% growth next year, and continues to merge AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude into daily operations to scale intelligently. From remote team management to early-stage startup storytelling, this conversation uncovers what it takes to stand out in a noisy, fast-moving market. Key Highlights: 💡 Why timing your PR two months before a launch maximizes success 🤖 How AI is transforming content creation and media placement 🚀 Doubling revenue while maintaining boutique quality and client care 💬 Balancing workload and quality with a fully remote team 🌍 PR trends in tech, cybersecurity, and startup ecosystems 📈 Website relaunch strategies to boost conversion and brand presence If you’re a founder, marketer, or tech executive, this episode reveals the modern blueprint for growing brand authority in the age of AI and attention. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Digital Shift for more conversations at the edge of innovation, technology, and business. 👉 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalShiftOfficial?sub_confirmation=1 🏫 Skool: Become an automation expert – https://www.skool.com/smooth-automation-1830 🧑 Today’s Guest Information: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinmauldin/ Website: https://salientpr.com/ ⏱ Timestamps 00:00:00 – Inside the Mind of a Modern PR Maverick 00:00:50 – Justin’s Background & Founding Salient PR 00:04:40 – Agency Operations & Media Adaptation 00:16:00 – Client Focus: Tech & Cybersecurity 00:20:30 – Communication & Storytelling Challenges 00:29:40 – Balancing Workload & Team Efficiency 00:32:30 – Website Relaunch & Growth Goals 00:35:10 – Scaling Smart: Client Selectivity 00:36:40 – Improving Proposal Processes 00:44:50 – Integrating AI for Competitive Advantage 00:47:00 – When to Start PR Engagement 0:49:25 – Final Thoughts: The Future of PR #TheDigitalShift #AI #PublicRelations #Storytelling #Marketing #TechStartups #Cybersecurity #AIinPR #DigitalMarketing #Automation #Innovation #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #TechPodcast #MediaRelations #BrandBuilding #RemoteTeams #StartupStrategy #PRTrends #FutureOfWork

    52 min

  5. 12/18/2025

    The Cyber Risk Mirage: Why Businesses Still Don’t Get Security

    Cybersecurity risk is skyrocketing—but most businesses still underestimate it. In this episode of The Digital Shift, we talk with David Strom, Owner of David Strom Inc., a legacy media platform that has been shaping cybersecurity conversations since 1992. With decades of experience covering IT and security journalism, Strom brings an insider’s view on what companies still get wrong about cyber risk, communication, and content credibility. In this conversation, we unpack why organizations continue to undervalue the business impact of breaches, how misinformation skews cybersecurity decision-making, and why AI-powered content and automation are becoming essential tools in the fight for accurate awareness. Key highlights from this episode: 💥 The hidden costs of underestimating cyber risk 🧠 Why most companies fail to communicate cybersecurity value 📊 The rise of AI in cybersecurity journalism and content vetting 🔒 Vetting remote workers as a security measure ⚙️ Automated tools that fix vulnerabilities before they spread 📰 How editorial credibility shapes cybersecurity perception If you’re a business leader, CISO, or IT professional, this episode will reshape how you think about risk, communication, and the media’s role in cybersecurity. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Digital Shift for more conversations at the edge of innovation, technology, and business. 👉 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalShiftOfficial?sub_confirmation=1 🏫 Skool: Become an automation expert https://www.skool.com/smooth-automation-1830 🧑 Today's Guest Information: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidstrom/ Website: https://strom.com/ ⏱ Timestamps 00:00:00 - The Cyber Risk Mirage 01:18 - David Strom’s Background & Media Journey 06:30 - Creating High-Quality Cybersecurity Content 07:40 - Avoiding Vendor Misinformation 11:21 - Why Businesses Underestimate Cyber Risk 20:00 - Remote Teams & Security Challenges 24:30 - Rise of Automated AI Tools for Vulnerability Management 26:00 - Preparing for Vendor Evaluations 28:57 - The Editorial Budget Challenge 33:00 - Resources, Recap & Final Thoughts #TheDigitalShift #Cybersecurity #AI #CyberRisk #CyberDefense #DigitalTransformation #CyberThreats #BusinessSecurity #TechPodcast #DataProtection #AIinBusiness #CyberAwareness #InformationSecurity #RiskManagement #FutureOfWork #Innovation #CyberCulture #Automation #MediaIntegrity #CyberJournalism

    33 min

  6. 12/11/2025

    The Hidden Breach Crisis: How Small Businesses Face Big Cyber Risks

    Cybersecurity for small businesses has never been more critical. With AI-powered cyber threats, data breaches, and rising compliance demands, smaller firms are now ground zero in the digital battlefield. In this episode of The Digital Shift, we explore why simplicity, education, and trust are the ultimate defense. Our guest, Greg Pfleider, CEO of Accelerate 2 Compliance, reveals how his company helps businesses turn cybersecurity chaos into clarity through its ADA Safe Hub platform — making data protection accessible, affordable, and actionable. Key highlights from this episode: 💥 766,000 records exposed — what it taught the industry 🏢 Why small firms are prime hacker gateways to bigger breaches 📈 How client advocates are changing cybersecurity engagement 🤖 The real risks of AI-driven impersonation attacks 💼 Making compliance simple for law, tax, and nonprofit sectors 🧠 Turning fear into education: building trust through transparency If you run or support a growing business, this episode will change how you think about cybersecurity, compliance, and client trust. 🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Shift for more conversations at the edge of technology, business, and automation. 👉 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalShiftOfficial?sub_confirmation=1 🏫 Skool: Become an automation expert — https://www.skool.com/smooth-automation-1830 🧑 Today's Guest Information: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-pfleider/ Website: https://accelerate2compliance.com/ ⏱ Timestamps 00:00:00 - The Calm Before the Cyberstorm 00:03:54 - Cybersecurity Risk & Industry Trends 00:12:08 - Accelerate to Compliance’s Client-Centric Strategy 00:16:06 - Client Education & Awareness 00:20:16 - Market Challenges & Expansion into New Verticals 00:22:58 - Process Improvements & Client Engagement 00:26:59 - Strategic Advice for Small Businesses 00:28:16 - Keeping Security Affordable for SMBs 00:29:32 - Growth Goals & Platform Development 00:36:46 - Managing Message Fatigue 00:39:26 - Turning Risk into Resilience #TheDigitalShift #Cybersecurity #DataProtection #AIinCybersecurity #CyberRisk #Compliance #SmallBusinessSecurity #DataBreach #CyberAwareness #CyberDefense #BusinessSecurity #RiskManagement #CyberThreats #InformationSecurity #AIThreats #CyberAttack #DigitalTransformation #TechPodcast #CyberResilience #DataPrivacy

    41 min

  7. 12/04/2025

    From Chaos to Control: The AI Shift in IT Asset Management

    The world of IT Asset Management (ITAM) is transforming — again. As companies race into AI, SaaS, and cloud computing, the entire foundation of license management and data accountability is being rewritten. In this episode of The Digital Shift, we sit down with Jeremy Boerger, Owner & Founder of ITAM Coaches, and author of Rethinking Information Technology Asset Management. Jeremy breaks down how the industry is cycling back from decentralized computing to massive cloud servers — and how this shift mirrors the mainframe era all over again. 💡 Key Highlights: 📦 The new AI + cloud licensing crisis reshaping ITAM 🤝 The “Don’t Touch My Stuff” mindset hurting collaboration 🚀 Low-code & automation tools cutting months-long ITAM projects to hours 📊 Turning siloed data into trustworthy, actionable insights 🤖 Preparing for “agenic AI” bots that will manage assets autonomously 🏫 How micro-certifications are replacing costly enterprise programs 🔥 Jeremy’s long-term vision: evolving ITAM into data administration If you’re an IT leader, CIO, or operations professional navigating cloud sprawl, compliance audits, or automation challenges, this episode will show you how to build the next-generation ITAM practice. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Digital Shift for conversations at the edge of innovation, technology, and business. 👉 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalShiftOfficial?sub_confirmation=1 🏫 Skool: Become an automation expert — https://www.skool.com/smooth-automation-1830 🧑 Guest Information: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyboerger/ Website: https://www.itamcoaches.com/ ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00:00 - Behind the Mic: The Conversation Begins 00:09:28 - AI-Powered Marketing & Content Workflow 00:12:24 - The Return to Centralized Computing 00:15:34 - The “Don’t Touch My Stuff” Mindset in IT 00:21:30 - Redefining ITAM as Data Administration 00:25:01 - Building Brand Awareness Through Content 00:29:25 - Tracking Engagement & Conversions 00:31:11 - Micro-Certifications & Scalable Education 00:34:16 - Breaking the Microsoft Audit Myth 00:39:43 - AI & Automation in ITAM Tools 00:43:31 - Low-Code Tools Reducing Project Timelines 00:45:18 - Preparing for Agenic AI 00:47:15 - The Importance of Coaching & Long-Term Vision 00:53:43 - The Book That’s Changing ITAM + Final Takeaways #TheDigitalShift #ITAssetManagement #ITAM #AIinBusiness #Automation #CloudComputing #DataDriven #TechPodcast #DigitalTransformation #AI #SaaSManagement #SoftwareLicensing #ITStrategy #BusinessInnovation #DataManagement #LowCode #EnterpriseIT #CyberRisk #FutureOfWork #TechnologyLeadership

    54 min

  8. 11/25/2025

    The Human Firewall: How Education Stops 99% of Cyberattacks

    Cybersecurity education, phishing prevention, and AI training collide in this must-see episode of The Digital Shift. Discover how behavior-focused learning can stop up to 99% of cyberattacks before they begin. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Feliks Kravets, Founder & Head of Learning and Development at CyberSecurityEasy.com — a company revolutionizing cybersecurity awareness through human-centric education. 🎯 Key highlights: 🔒 Why phishing & social engineering cause 90–99% of breaches 👩‍🏫 How CyberSecurity Easy trains kids (6 +), professionals, & seniors 🎮 Gamified learning & YouTube training to build real-world reflexes 🤖 The AI future of education and cyber risk awareness 💼 Building partnerships & grants to expand nationwide training 🌍 Teaching a zero-trust mindset that saves families & businesses If you’ve ever wondered how to stop scams before they start — this conversation reveals the missing piece: education that changes behavior, not just awareness. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss a new episode of The Digital Shift — where technology, innovation, and business collide. 👉 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalShiftOfficial?sub_confirmation=1 🏫 Skool: https://www.skool.com/smooth-automation-1830 👤 Today's Guest Information: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fkravets/ Website: https://CyberSecurityEasy.com ⏱ Timestamps 00:00:00 – Intro & Mission of CyberSecurity Easy 00:02:19 – Why Phishing Education Matters for Everyone 00:02:57 – Real Losses from Scams and Human Error 00:07:19 – Phishing and Social Engineering Cause 99% of Breaches 00:08:16 – Training Kids, Seniors, and Professionals for Defense 00:10:37 – AI Agents and the Future of Work 00:13:48 – Privacy Risks in the AI Age 00:14:56 – AI-Enhanced Cyber Education & Customization 00:15:27 – Gamified Learning and Behavior Change 00:17:16 – Government Grants & Partnership Expansion 00:19:06 – Smart Money and Strategic Alliances 00:20:21 – The Gap in Phishing Education Nationwide 00:22:35 – Zero-Trust Mindset for Individuals & Organizations 00:24:01 – Taking Personal Responsibility for Cyber Safety 00:26:52 – Family Education and Community Awareness 00:28:18 – Gamified Tools and Free Public Resources 00:29:22 – Episode Recap & Call to Action #TheDigitalShift #Cybersecurity #Phishing #SocialEngineering #CyberAwareness #AIinEducation #HumanFirewall #CyberDefense #DigitalSafety #CyberTraining #ZeroTrust #OnlineScams #TechPodcast #CyberCrimePrevention #EducationMatters #AIandCybersecurity #DataProtection #CybersecurityEducation #CyberResilience #FutureOfSecurity

    31 min
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About

Welcome to The Digital Shift — where we explore the edge of innovation, tech, and business. This channel dives deep into digital transformation, future tech, AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, automation, and emerging trends shaping industries worldwide. Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or IT enthusiast, you’ll find insights on digital strategy, innovation management, data-driven decision making, and the future of business technology. Our podcast episodes feature expert interviews, thought leadership, and real-world analysis on how artificial intelligence, cybersecurity strategies, disruptive innovation, and digital ecosystems impact growth and opportunity. From the latest in tech trends, business innovation, and the future of work to practical strategies for staying competitive, we deliver content designed to inspire, inform, and help you navigate the digital shift. Subscribe today to stay ahead in the world of innovation and technology.

Information

  • Creator
    Darren Michael
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Darren Michael
  • Show Website
    The Digital Shift