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. OCT 23

    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

  2. SEP 17

    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

  3. AUG 21

    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

  4. AUG 6

    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

  5. JUL 23

    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

  6. JUL 9

    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

  7. JUN 25

    Solving Tech Challenges with the Right Talent

    In this episode of Bytes & Banter, we talk with Matt Deneroff, Vice President and Market Director at Robert Half, about one of today’s most pressing tech challenges: finding and developing the right talent. Drawing from Robert Half’s Building Future-Forward Tech Teams report, Matt shares insights on closing skills gaps, navigating AI and cybersecurity demands, and responding to the surge in ERP needs. We dive into workforce strategies like refining job descriptions, upskilling, flexible staffing models, and leveraging consultants or hackathons to spark innovation. Tune in to hear how tech leaders are adapting—and what it takes to build a team that’s ready for what’s next. Explore how Robert Half can help you build a future-ready tech team: https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/building-tech-teams?utm_medium=alliance&utm_source=external-link&utm_campaign=v2_all_thought-leadership_july-2025-hdi-bytes-and-banter-us_rht&utm_content=building-future-forward-tech-teams  Bio: Matt Deneroff is Market Director and Vice President of Technology & Digital at Robert Half, serving the DC Metro market. He leads both contract and permanent placement services across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, connecting top tech talent with forward-thinking organizations. With over a decade at Robert Half, Matt has held multiple leadership roles and earned national recognition for driving growth and performance. He holds a degree in Business Administration and Management from The Catholic University of America.    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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/ Associate Producer/Host - Daniel Guinto - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-guinto-7b723630/ Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/ Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/ Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/ Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com

    23 min

  8. JUN 11

    Beyond Silos: Authentic Leadership in the Age of AI

    In this episode of Bytes and Banter, Sarah Nicastro joins us to explore what authentic leadership looks like in an AI-driven world. From her unexpected journey into field service to becoming a principal evangelist at IFS, Sarah shares how the industry has evolved—from cost center to strategic asset—and what that means for leaders today. We talk curiosity, change leadership, and how to create cultures that truly value people. Plus, why staying neutral on AI is key to driving innovation without compromising your core values. 🌐 Want more insights on service transformation and leadership? Visit www.futureoffieldservice.com for articles, podcasts, and resources from Sarah Nicastro. Sarah Nicastro is the driving force behind Future of Field Service as Founder & Editor in Chief, Host of the UNSCRIPTED podcast, and Principal Evangelist at IFS. Through insightful articles and engaging interviews with industry giants, Sarah distils real-world perspectives into actionable insights. Renowned as a global keynote speaker, she inspires audiences to navigate modern business complexities and drive transformative change. With a unique combination of community-sourced best practices and her own thought leadership, Sarah empowers service leaders to embrace innovation and chart their course toward sustainable success. Sarah lives in Erie, Pennsylvania with her husband Eric; two sons, Evan and Ellis; and two cats, Atticus and Popcorn. To decompress, she likes to visit Lake Erie and search for beach glass. She’s an avid reader, a die-hard fan of hip-hop, is obsessed with ice cream, and Pelotons daily. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    50 min
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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
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 PodTechs
  • Show Website
    Bytes and Banter