The STEMINISTS Podcast

Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams

Tech visionaries Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams bring their unique expertise to the microphone and expand the conversation around tech. They’ll bring fresh voices and often unheard perspectives you don’t want to miss. Ever wonder if you and your data are AI-ready? Cloud-ready? Is your business truly prepared for a ransomware attack? And is your data infrastructure intelligent and future-proof? Together, we’ll explore the latest trends and give you key insights that could change the way you do business.

  1. 3D AGO

    Ep. 58 - The Hardware Hustle: Navigating AI's Pressure on the Supply Chain

    What happens when AI’s insatiable hunger for data slams into a global hardware drought?  This week, Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams go straight to the source with Michelle Blint, the powerhouse behind US State and Local Education sales at NetApp. Michelle takes us into the chaos of the global memory shortage and spells out exactly how AI’s turbo-charged demands are blitzing supply chains from every angle.   Find out why clinging to outdated CapEx models is a fast-track to technical debt and how flipping to Storage-as-a-Service gives you the upper hand. Forget buying a bloated five-gallon glass just to fill a cup; pay for what you use and flex when you need it most. Oh, and if you crave a wild side of personal news, make sure you stick around to hear about Michelle’s newest, four-legged family member.  Don’t get steamrolled by the hype! Tap that play button and jump ahead of the pack. Download, like, and share The STEMINISTS Podcast if you’re ready for tech that doesn’t pull punches.    Learn more about Storage as service with NetApp Keystone   Check out this blog on taking the best step forward to operationalizing your AI   Interested in your own four-legged bestie, check out the National Newfoundland Rescue.    Connect with us! https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-blint-46304b11/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/

    16 min

  2. APR 13

    Ep. 57 - Data Without Borders: Navigating AI Sovereignty

    What happens when nations want complete control over their artificial intelligence? With regions like the UAE committing billions to build AI gigafactories, the push for localized, independent technology is transforming the global landscape.  Welcome back to The STEMINISTS podcast! In this episode, hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams sit down with Avril Cody, Senior Manager for Solutions Engineering at NetApp, to unpack the complex world of AI sovereignty. We explore how countries and organizations are striving to govern their own AI systems to align with local laws, cultural values, and economic interests.  In this episode, we discuss:  The true meaning of AI sovereignty and why geopolitical competition is driving it.  The steep financial and infrastructure challenges involved in building sovereign AI environments.  How emerging neoclouds and sovereign clouds challenge traditional centralized cloud models.  Why effective data governance must act as the foundation for any sovereign infrastructure.    If this episode sparks new ideas, please like, share, download, and leave a review.     Here is how you can learn more:  Data sovereignty: A guide for modern business leaders Whats next for data sovereignty in a shifting geopolitical landscape?    Connect with us! https://www.linkedin.com/in/avril-cody-a114ab4b/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/

    15 min

  3. APR 7

    Ep. 56 - Open Source and AI: From Community Innovation to Enterprise Reality

    Open source and AI are moving fast, so how can we scale these technologies without breaking things?  In this episode of The STEMINISTS Podcast, Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams sit down with Amanda Katona, Director of Developer and Open Source Engagement at NetApp and a 2026 OpenSearch Ambassador. Together, they explore the massive shift happening right now at the intersection of AI and open source, and why community-driven innovation is critical for the future of enterprise technology.  Listen to how organizations can navigate complex data infrastructure, strict security needs, and the rising demand for reliable AI applications. You will also learn how the open source community is drafting new governance policies to manage AI-assisted code safely and effectively.  Key takeaways from our conversation:  The latest trends in open source AI, including the fast-growing Agentic AI Foundation and the Model Context Protocol.  How OpenSearch powers rapid product discovery, vector search, and intelligent observability.  The biggest friction points enterprises face when taking open source projects from pilot to production.  Why managed open source solutions help teams hit strict SLAs, lower costs, and keep developers focused on solving hard problems rather than managing infrastructure.  Common misconceptions about losing control of your technology roadmap when you embrace open source.  Whether you write code or manage enterprise IT, this conversation offers a clear look at the future of AI.  Resources mentioned in this episode:  Learn more about NetApp Instaclustr's commitment to open source   Check out the Exploring AI Playlist on YouTube  If you enjoyed this conversation, please share, download and leave a review for The STEMINISTS Podcast wherever you listen to your favorite shows!    Connect with us! https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandakatona/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/

    14 min

  4. MAR 31

    Ep. 55 - Earth Day Every Day: Building Resilient Businesses with Responsible AI and Sustainability

    April kicks off our month-long celebration of Earth Day (4/22), and we’re starting with a powerful question: What happens when AI meets sustainability? In this episode of The STEMINISTS, Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams catch up with Nicola Acutt, NetApp’s Chief Sustainability Officer and get straight to the point! If your data strategy isn’t sustainable, it’s not smart or future-proof. In this conversation, learn how fusing AI with eco-savvy thinking is the secret weapon to building a tougher, more resilient business.  Nicola doesn’t sugarcoat it: If you’re still hoarding useless data, you’re burning cash and energy. Her no-nonsense tips show how cutting digital clutter and thinking bigger than “just recycling” can strengthen your business and shrink your footprint, fast.  Here’s why you’ll love this episode:   Nicola connects the dots between data and sustainability. Turns out, efficient data management is a total gamechanger.   She shares simple, actionable tips, like why you should stop storing data you don’t need (it’s like finding money under your couch cushions).   She shares why sustainability is more than just recycling your yogurt cups (though, keep doing that!).  Nicola drops the truth about “systems thinking”, seeing your whole business as one bold, interconnected machine. Forget quick fixes: it’s about overhauling how you run things, crushing inefficiencies, and making every move count for serious impact.  Hit play to get ahead of the curve, then share it and challenge your crew to rethink what real business power looks like.    Check out what Sustainability looks like at NetApp.   Connect with us!  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaacutt/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/

    16 min

  5. MAR 24

    Ep. 54 - Prompting Our AI to Pop the Champagne for our First Anniversary!

    Break out the confetti! The STEMINISTS Podcast has just hit one year, and we’re nowhere near slowing down. For twelve months, we’ve been unapologetically shaking up tech with bold, data-centric takes that refuse to play it safe. And what’s a better way to celebrate than with our hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams, as they catch us up on the transformation of "builders" in the wild new era of agentic AI. Artificial intelligence isn’t just following instructions anymore, it’s flipping the power dynamic in tech.  Click play and listen in on how Phoebe and Mekka highlight the real impact of these new AI capabilities on enterprise systems and daily life. You will learn how to navigate the shift from governing people to governing intelligent agents safely.  Key topics covered in this episode:  The rise of agentic AI and what it means to be a "builder" right now.  Why managing AI agents requires fresh security frameworks and strict access controls.  The critical role of high-quality data governance to prevent security risks and AI hallucinations.  Practical ways AI agents boost business innovation and personal productivity, including tips on using tools like Claude and GitHub Copilot.  Organizations that prioritize data security will win in this new landscape.   Please download, like, and share The STEMINISTS Podcast wherever you listen to your favorite shows! Thanks for joining us on this ride. Here’s to you, our listeners, for making this year unforgettable.

    11 min

  6. MAR 17

    Ep. 53 - AI Meets Hybrid Cloud: The Ultimate Power Couple

    Dive deep into the engine room of innovation: AI. The incredible Kathy Barboza, Head of Storage Sales at Google Cloud, joins Phoebe and Mekka again for a “must-listen” convo part two.   Kathy breaks down why data is the undisputed backbone of any AI workload and how a unified, enterprise-grade storage approach is critical for success. Discover how top companies are navigating their AI journey by moving strategic data subsets to the cloud and why Google's engineering-first culture gives them a unique edge. The discussion also covers how strategic partnerships and hybrid cloud solutions help solve complex storage challenges, ensuring even cloud-native companies build the resilience they need to scale.  If you missed the first half of our chat, be sure to check out part one for the full story. Tune in for expert insights on AI strategy, data management, hybrid cloud solutions, and building a resilient digital ecosystem.    Embrace the Cloud: https://www.netapp.com/cloud-services/   Confidently tackle your challenges by using storage that integrates with innovative solutions from Google Cloud: https://www.netapp.com/google-cloud/    Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-barboza/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/

    11 min

  7. MAR 10

    Ep. 52 - It Takes a Village (and a Hybrid Cloud) to Run an Enterprise [Part 1]

    In 2026, the hybrid cloud is the high-voltage backbone of every bold business move, demanding strong strategic partnerships to deliver the speed and reliability modern enterprises need. If you think you can run a company without this resilient tech ecosystem, you might as well try juggling flaming servers blindfolded. Enter hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams, who are ready to crack open the hybrid cloud code alongside Google Cloud's Head of Storage Sales, Kathy Barboza. Strap in for an action-packed crash course that will shake up your tech strategy and show you exactly how to dominate with ruthless efficiency.  Kathy also shares insights from her impressive career journey, from her early days in IT support at Intel to leading major programs at Google. She argues that for large enterprises, a hybrid model isn't just a choice; it's a necessity driven by compliance, legacy systems, and governance. The discussion covers the real challenges of untangling applications, managing diverse data protocols, and why getting your data house in order is the critical first step for any AI initiative. Learn why Kathy believes "it takes an ecosystem to run your environment" and how strategic partnerships are key to navigating the future of tech.  And here's the best part: this is just the beginning. It's a two-part conversation, so don't miss a moment—stick around for part two and catch even more insights and strategies you won't find anywhere else.    Confidently tackle your toughest storage challenges: https://www.netapp.com/google-cloud/    Connect with us! https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-barboza/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/

    13 min

  8. MAR 3

    Ep. 51 - Mission Impossible: How Smart CISOs Actually Win

    Being a CISO these days feels straight out of Mission Impossible – stopping the Bad Actors - except there’s no self-destructing instructions, no fancy gadgets, and the dangers don’t wait for the dramatic music. While the stakes are sky-high, the task of keeping your organization secure can sometimes seem unimaginable. As AI rewrites the rules of business, security leaders are caught between shrinking budgets and exploding risks... and today, we’re getting advice from a PRO.   In this episode, we cut through the noise with Shira Rubinoff, CEO of the Cybersphere Group, for a brutally honest look at what CISOs are truly up against. We talk about the real-world threats of deepfakes fooling even the experts, and the shadow AI tools your team is using without your knowledge.  In this episode, Shira breaks down the essential truths of modern security:  Bolting on security after the fact is a guaranteed failure.  Forge your people into your sharpest line of defense through trust and smart training.  AI is not here to take your job, but to supercharge your capabilities.  If you want to know what actually keeps CISOs up at night and how the best are fighting back, you can't afford to miss this.    Connect with us! https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirarubinoff/

    15 min
See All (59)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Tech visionaries Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams bring their unique expertise to the microphone and expand the conversation around tech. They’ll bring fresh voices and often unheard perspectives you don’t want to miss. Ever wonder if you and your data are AI-ready? Cloud-ready? Is your business truly prepared for a ransomware attack? And is your data infrastructure intelligent and future-proof? Together, we’ll explore the latest trends and give you key insights that could change the way you do business.

Information

  • Creator
    Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The STEMINISTS Podcast