The Tech Blog Writer Podcast - Inspired Tech Startup Stories & Interviews With Tech Leaders, Entrepreneurs And Innovators

How can cutting-edge air decontamination technology reshape healthcare and reduce infections? In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, we explore this question with Dr. Deborah Birx, Chief Medical & Science Advisor at ActivePure Medical and former White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, and Amy Carenza, Chief Commercial Officer at ActivePure. Together, they discuss how ActivePure’s innovative technology is transforming air and surface purification in healthcare and beyond. ActivePure’s advanced photohydrolysis technology, built on principles originally developed by NASA, replicates natural outdoor air purification indoors. Unlike traditional cleaning or filtration methods, this FDA-cleared Class II medical device offers continuous protection in occupied spaces, achieving remarkable results: a 96-99% reduction in MRSA and a 70% decrease in total healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Dr. Birx and Amy explain how this breakthrough technology deactivates pathogens in real time, effectively filling the

How is AI reshaping the social media landscape and empowering brands to maximize their impact? In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by Scott Morris, CMO of Sprout Social, to explore the transformative role AI is playing in marketing, customer service, and social media management. Sprout Social, a leader in social media solutions with over 30,000 customers, has been at the forefront of integrating AI into its platform to help businesses of all sizes drive efficiency, improve personalization, and gain deeper insights into their audience. Scott dives into Sprout Social’s research on AI and social media, sharing valuable insights into how brands can leverage AI to meet shifting customer expectations. From revolutionizing customer service with real-world examples from Salesforce and Casey’s to using AI for advanced targeting, tailored messaging, and automation, this conversation uncovers the practical ways AI is being applied to solve real business challenges. We also discuss how AI is helping organ

  How is agentic AI reshaping cloud security and what does the future hold for this transformative technology? In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Loris Degioanni, the founder and CTO of Sysdig, to explore how agentic AI is driving innovation in cloud security. As the creator of Sysdig and the CNCF runtime security tool Falco, Loris brings a wealth of expertise to the conversation, having also been a key contributor to the widely-used open-source network analyzer, Wireshark. We discuss how Sysdig has pioneered the first AI-powered cloud security tool using agentic AI. This groundbreaking approach enables AI agents to function as domain-specific experts, working collaboratively to provide rapid threat detection—reducing response times to under 10 minutes in cloud environments where speed is critical. Loris shares insights into the cultural and technological factors fueling the rise of agentic AI and its potential to revolutionize cybersecurity. The conversation also delves into

How are businesses preparing for the evolving threats and challenges in the world of cybersecurity? In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by Dominik Samociuk, Head of Security at Future Processing, a technology consultancy and software delivery partner with over two decades of experience.  Together, we explore the current state of cybersecurity and dive into predictions for 2025, focusing on emerging threats, regulatory changes, and the critical importance of cyber resilience. Dominik shares insights into the rise of AI-driven attacks, including deepfakes and automated phishing campaigns, which are increasing in sophistication and volume. These threats are forcing organizations to rethink their strategies, moving beyond prevention to comprehensive approaches that include detection, response, and recovery. We also discuss how businesses can strengthen their defenses through zero-trust architecture, third-party risk management, and enhanced employee training—especially as the human factor remains o

How can AI transform the healthcare industry and help solve the challenges of rising costs, staffing shortages, and administrative inefficiencies? In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, we explore this question with Alex Zekoff, co-founder and CEO of Thoughtful AI. Thoughtful AI is a company revolutionizing healthcare administration through its innovative, role-based AI agents. These fully human-capable AI solutions—CAM, EVA, and PHIL—are designed to streamline critical but tedious tasks like claims processing, patient eligibility verification, and payment posting. Healthcare providers in the U.S. currently face mounting pressures, from high staff turnover and costly manual processes to claim denials and prolonged payment cycles. Thoughtful AI's solutions offer a new way forward. By automating these administrative workflows, providers can significantly lower costs, reduce days sales outstanding, and boost claims approval rates. The result? Healthcare organizations can shift their focus and resources from bac

  How can businesses thrive in the face of rapid technological advancements and increasing IT complexity? In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by Herb Hogue, CTO of Myriad360, a global systems integrator renowned for its expertise in bridging the gap between technology providers and end-users. With over 500 partnerships with top-tier technology companies, including Nvidia, HP, Cisco, and Palo Alto Networks, Myriad360 delivers customized, scalable IT solutions that align with strategic business objectives. Herb shares insights into the rapidly evolving IT landscape, highlighting key trends such as the pervasive impact of AI, the growing importance of robust security measures, and the challenges of scaling IT infrastructure to meet demand. He discusses Myriad360's unique approach to navigating these complexities by focusing on data-driven decision-making, optimizing ROI, and integrating cutting-edge technologies into seamless end-to-end solutions. We also explore the human side of I

How can businesses navigate the challenges of IT unpredictability and ensure operational continuity in an ever-evolving tech landscape? In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by Geoff Hixon, VP of Solutions Architecture at Lakeside Software, to explore how data-driven strategies are reshaping IT resilience and recovery. Geoff shares his experiences in supporting Lakeside customers during the CrowdStrike global IT outage, including insights into the rapid recovery process for a global airline and a multinational oil and gas company. Geoff also provides an exclusive preview of Lakeside Software’s highly anticipated IT Resilience report, offering valuable insights into how organizations can transition from reactive to proactive and eventually autonomous IT management. By focusing on real-time data collection and visibility, he highlights the importance of identifying issues before they escalate and shares how enhanced data insights can prevent costly errors—like a bank's multimillion-pound oversight

  How can cutting-edge technology help combat one of the most devastating contributors to climate change? In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Carsten Brinkschulte, CEO and co-founder of Dryad Networks, to explore the innovative solutions his company is bringing to wildfire detection and forest health monitoring. Dryad’s groundbreaking “Internet of Trees” uses AI-powered sensors, solar energy, and IoT networks to address the challenges of forest management on a global scale. Carsten shares the inspiration behind Dryad Networks, which stemmed from the catastrophic 2018 wildfires and his drive to tackle the staggering statistic that wildfires account for up to 20% of global CO2 emissions. We dive into the technology powering Dryad’s solutions, including small, solar-powered gas sensors that act as "electronic noses," detecting wildfire indicators like hydrogen and carbon monoxide far earlier than traditional methods. These sensors, supported by AI and machine learning, operate on ed

How do advancements in technology continue to redefine everyday experiences? In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, we discuss the innovation behind Ulike’s Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology, which is setting a new standard for at-home hair removal.  We discuss the science and precision that underpin Ulike’s Air 3 Deluxe and Air 10 devices. With patented Sapphire Ice Cooling technology, these devices maintain skin temperatures at a comfortable 18°C, ensuring an almost painless experience even on sensitive areas. Their advanced IPL technology targets hair follicles at the root, offering up to 96% hair reduction in just two weeks. The Air 10 takes things further with dual-light technology and salon-inspired SHR Mode, making full-body treatments faster and more efficient than ever. Safety and convenience remain central to Ulike’s design philosophy. Built-in UV filters, adaptive skin sensors, and an innovative UV sterilizer ensure not only effective results but also unmatched hygiene and peace of mind. These

How can AI revolutionize energy management in our homes while helping us save money and reduce environmental impact? In this episode, I speak with Michael Lotfy, EVP of Home & Distribution at Schneider Electric, to uncover how innovation is transforming the way we interact with and consume energy at home. With buildings responsible for 37% of global CO2 emissions and homes contributing nearly 20% of that total, the need for smarter, more efficient energy solutions has never been more urgent. Michael shares how Schneider Electric is addressing this challenge with groundbreaking AI-powered features in their Wiser Home app. This technology leverages real-time weather forecasts, tariff data, and solar production capabilities to optimize energy use, reduce waste, and save homeowners hundreds of euros annually—all while keeping homes comfortable and secure. We discuss how governments worldwide are stepping up with incentives to encourage energy-efficient technologies, including the U.S. Department of Energy's $

How is the role of the CFO transforming in today’s digital age, and how can AI and automation empower financial leaders to navigate this evolution? In this episode, I speak with Bob Stark, Global Head of Market Strategy at Kyriba, to explore how CFOs are becoming strategic business partners, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance decision-making, optimize liquidity, and safeguard their organizations against financial risks. Bob provides an in-depth look at how AI is reshaping the finance landscape, moving beyond efficiency to drive smarter, data-driven decisions. He highlights key areas where AI and machine learning are making an impact, such as improving cash forecasting accuracy, automating workflows, and enhancing fraud detection. As fraud threats grow increasingly sophisticated, Bob explains how AI's anomaly detection and policy enforcement at machine speed are critical for protecting financial operations. We also dive into the challenges CFOs face when adopting AI, from building trust in AI syste

What does it take for a tech startup to successfully navigate international expansion? In today's episode, I welcome Dr. Shan Nair, a trailblazer in International Expansion Services (IES) and the president of Nucleus, to unpack the strategies and insights essential for businesses venturing into global markets. Dr. Nair's journey from nuclear physics at Oxford to consulting for some of the world’s most recognizable tech names, including Tesla Motors and FaceTime, offers a fascinating perspective on the intersection of innovation and international business. During our conversation, we delve into the unique challenges that tech companies face when scaling internationally, from navigating complex regulatory frameworks in Asia-Pacific to addressing employment law risks in Europe and Latin America. Dr. Nair also explains how Nucleus provides a one-stop solution for companies, ensuring that international operations are managed seamlessly without the fragmentation of working with multiple service providers across geo

What role does design play in shaping the future of STEM innovation? In this episode, I’m joined by Marilee Lloyd, a seasoned architect and Senior Laboratory Planner at HED, one of the most established architecture and engineering firms in the country. With over 38 years of experience in designing cutting-edge laboratory spaces for pharmaceutical giants, biotechnology companies, and top research universities, Marilee shares her expert insights on the evolving world of lab design. Together, we explore the transformative impact of modern laboratory environments, from fostering collaboration and innovation to addressing the urgent need for inclusivity in STEM. Marilee explains why laboratories are no longer just functional spaces but vibrant hubs that attract and retain top STEM talent.  She also highlights the critical role design plays in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion—both culturally and in terms of facilities. From gender-neutral restrooms to considerations for neurodiverse scientists, Marilee pr

In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I explore the dramatic transformation reshaping search and digital discovery with Michael Walrath, Chairman and CEO of Yext. As AI tools like ChatGPT, TikTok, and Meta AI disrupt the traditional search model, businesses are grappling with the need to adapt their strategies or risk being left behind. With decades of reliance on Google’s algorithms, the rise of more conversational, AI-driven platforms signals a seismic shift in how consumers discover information. Michael brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, reflecting on his time leading Yahoo’s search advertising marketplace and the lessons learned when traditional models were challenged by new technologies. We discuss how search is not merely evolving but being redefined by AI, as fragmented platforms create both opportunities and challenges for businesses navigating this new digital environment. The episode dives into why structured data and content distribution are now critical for discoverabili

How can advanced technology and AI help mission-critical workforces not only keep up with evolving demands but thrive? From public safety and utilities to agriculture and construction, the essential industries that power our communities are increasingly relying on technology to overcome staffing shortages, streamline workflows, and improve service quality. With nearly 91% of first responders believing their reporting processes could be better and 70% requiring overtime to finish paperwork, it’s clear there’s an urgent need for tools that make a real difference. In this episode, I’m joined by Dominick Passanante, Vice President of Mobility at Panasonic Connect North America, to explore the transformative role of technology and AI in these industries. Dominick shares how Panasonic Connect’s AI-driven solutions, including rugged Toughbook devices and predictive analytics tools, are helping to automate routine tasks, enhance decision-making, and boost operational efficiency. We’ll hear real-world examples, like h

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, we explore groundbreaking research from the BCG Henderson Institute, revealing the profound impact of Generative AI on data science tasks within the consulting sector. I am joined by Vladimir "Vlad" Lukic from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), who shares insights from a recent collaborative study with Boston University and OpenAI's Economic Impacts team. The experiment tested the efficacy of GenAI tools, including Enterprise ChatGPT with GPT-4 and Advanced Data Analysis, in enhancing the productivity and technical capabilities of BCG consultants versus traditional methods. Vlad details the experimental setup where consultants undertook typical data science tasks such as writing Python code for cleaning datasets, constructing predictive models, and validating statistical analyses generated by ChatGPT. The performance metrics of 480 consultants were then measured against 44 seasoned BCG data scientists who completed the tasks without GenAI assistance. Key findings underscored

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, we dive into the heart of modern policing with Matt Polega, co-founder and president of Mark43. A recent survey by Mark43 revealed a striking demand among UK residents for greater police presence. But how can technology bridge the gap between public expectations and police resources? Matt joins us to discuss how modernized, resilient technology like Mark43's can enable police forces to increase their street presence without necessarily adding more personnel. We'll explore how real-time data sharing between neighboring police forces and partner agencies is becoming a game-changer in crime prevention and response. Matt also sheds light on the critical advantages of systems that update in real-time, allowing officers to respond faster and more effectively to incidents as they unfold. We also discuss the importance of having robust backup emergency dispatch systems to maintain operations during outages, ensuring that police forces are always ready and resilient in the face of

In this episode, I’m joined by Jesmar Cannaò COO of ProxySQL, to explore the  journey behind the creation of this open source solution that has become a game-changer for database management.  From his early days in IT to addressing the challenges that database administrators (DBAs) face daily, Jesmar shares the story of how ProxySQL evolved from a side project into a vital tool for empowering database teams around the world. We discuss the complexities of managing MySQL and PostgreSQL infrastructures, ProxySQL’s unique approach to query routing, load balancing, and its ability to maintain high availability even in the most demanding environments. Jesmar explains why ProxySQL’s open-source model is critical in fostering trust and transparency, and how it helps organizations adapt to the growing demands for cloud-native and on-premise database solutions. Jesmar also offers insights into the challenges of running a distributed team, the evolution of database management in an era of increasing automation, and the

In today’s data-driven world, businesses rely heavily on tools like Tableau and Power BI to make sense of their data. But why do these tools, designed to make analytics simple, often involve such complex and resource-intensive backends? This tension, known as the BI paradox, is what Nicolas Korchia, CEO of IndeXima, is on a mission to resolve. In this episode, Nicolas shares his journey from data geek to entrepreneur, tackling one of the biggest challenges in business intelligence: the balance between user-friendly dashboards and the intricate data pipelines that power them. We explore how IndeXima leverages AI and machine learning to create dynamic tables, accelerating data analytics, improving dashboard performance, and reducing the cost and environmental impact of data queries. Nicolas explains how his team’s solutions are empowering businesses to streamline decision-making while addressing sustainability—a key concern in today’s IT landscape. Beyond the technology, Nicolas provides real-world use cases, i

Have you ever wondered how businesses can better manage supply chain risks in an era of increasing cyber threats and regulatory complexities? In this episode of The Tech Talks Daily Podcast, we sit down with Haydn Brooks, CEO and founder of Risk Ledger, to explore how his innovative platform is reshaping third-party risk management. Risk Ledger, founded in 2018, operates as a secure social network for supply chain risk management. Haydn shares how his transition from neuroscience to cybersecurity sparked the creation of this dynamic platform, which has already supported major initiatives like the NHS COVID-19 Test and Trace program. Designed to provide real-time insights and foster collaboration, Risk Ledger is redefining traditional approaches to supply chain security. In our conversation, Haydn discusses the platform’s ability to share threat intelligence across a network of suppliers, helping both public and private sector organizations stay ahead of emerging challenges. He also delves into the critical ro