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

Today on Tech Talks Daily, we're diving into the world of cutting-edge technology with Rob Devlin, co-founder and CEO of Metalenz. This pioneering company, spun out of Harvard, is reshaping how we think about optics in technology with their groundbreaking meta-surface optics. Metalenz has introduced a revolutionary flat lens technology that manipulates light much like traditional curved lenses but on a nanostructured surface. This innovation allows for multi-lens stacks to be collapsed into a single flat optic at a semiconductor scale, drastically reducing size and cost while enhancing the capabilities of sensing devices. Rob discusses Metalenz's first-generation technology, which is already enhancing tens of millions of devices with advanced 3D sensing for mobile augmented reality and photography. Looking ahead, Metalenz is setting ambitious goals with their next-gen "PolarID," aimed at providing secure facial recognition for Android users. This new technology, developed in partnership with Samsung, promises

Today's episode of Tech Talks Daily features Will Huber from the Office of the CTO at AHEAD, a leader in driving digital business transformations. AHEAD specializes in several crucial areas such as Cloud Platforms, Digital Engineering, Data & Analytics, Next-Gen Data Center, Enterprise Automation, and Integrated Security, which are fundamental for organizations to excel in today's digital era. Will, who has a rich background as the former CTO of CDI—a company recently integrated into AHEAD to bolster its market-leading capabilities—shares insights from his extensive experience in the technology consulting sphere. As he speaks to us while traveling from New York City to Chicago, Will sheds light on how AHEAD helps businesses navigate and succeed in their digital transformation journeys. During our engaging conversation, Will discusses the importance of enterprise automation and how it's pivotal in enhancing productivity and operational efficiency across various aspects of enterprise IT. He emphasizes that

In today’s episode, we delve into the innovative world of Rinse, a mobile-first solution transforming the traditional laundry and dry cleaning industry. We are joined by Ajay Prakash, CEO and Co-Founder of Rinse, to explore how their technology not only enhances customer convenience but also supports local laundromats and promotes fair employment practices. Founded in 2013, Rinse was born out of a desire to remove the friction from a chore that everyone dreads—laundry. Ajay and his co-founder, James, began testing the concept with just 11 friends, quickly realizing the potential to make a significant impact. Rinse’s unique business model partners with local laundromats, equipping them with technology and training to handle increased volume and improve their service quality. This partnership has boosted partner revenue by an average of 20%. One of the core beliefs at Rinse is the fair treatment of their workforce. Unlike many companies in the gig economy, Rinse’s drivers, known as Valet team members, are all W

What steps are necessary to secure a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue like SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park against ever-evolving cybersecurity threats? And how can such measures be balanced with providing a seamless experience for millions of visitors each year? Joining me today to answer these questions is Dwayne Robinson, Head of Cybersecurity at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. I met Dwayne on the show floor at Cisco Live, and we quickly got into a fascinating discussion about the unique challenges and solutions involved in securing a high-profile venue. SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park are not just home to NFL games and concerts but also set to host monumental events like the Super Bowl, the 2028 Olympics, and the FIFA World Cup. In our conversation, Dwayne shares his insights into how they use cutting-edge technologies to bolster cybersecurity. From AI-driven threat detection to coordinated efforts with federal and local government agencies, discover how the cybersecurity team navigates thi

How is artificial intelligence reshaping the landscape of technology, and what new developments can we expect from a leader in the industry? In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, live from Cisco Live, I'm joined by Vijoy Pandey, Senior Vice President of Outshift by Cisco. Outshift is at the forefront of Cisco's innovation, especially in the realms of AI, cloud-native applications, and quantum technologies. Vijoy shares his insights on the latest AI innovations that are not only advancing Cisco's product line but also setting new benchmarks for customer experience and technological responsibility. We discuss Outshift's mission to build what's next in emerging tech for Cisco and the challenges of turning ideas into action. Vijoy explains how Outshift operates like an internal startup accelerator, focusing on both product development and market readiness to address customer needs effectively. Our conversation delves into the specifics of AI's role in enhancing existing products and driving new ones. Vijoy high

What's driving the evolution of networking today? How are industry leaders like Cisco shaping the future of data centers and connectivity?  In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, live from Cisco Live, I'm joined by Kevin Wollenweber, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cisco Networking – Data Center and Provider Connectivity. Kevin, with decades of experience and a finger on the pulse of industry transformations, shares his insights into Cisco's latest innovations. We discuss how these advances address the complex challenges faced by the largest service providers and data centers around the world.  From new 400 and 800 gig routers and switches to AI-driven network management tools, Kevin reveals how Cisco is helping customers modernize and streamline their network infrastructures. Throughout our conversation, Kevin delves into the merging of the data center and routing teams, enhancing Cisco's ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions. We also explore how Cisco leverages automation and AI to simpl

In a world increasingly driven by digital transformation, the robustness of enterprise connectivity can often go unnoticed—until it doesn't. Today on Tech Talks Daily, we have the pleasure of hosting Mark Bennett, Head of Global Enterprise Networking Products at Vodafone Business, to discuss the pivotal role connectivity plays in modern business operations. Vodafone Business, a primary growth engine within the global Vodafone Group, stands at the forefront of enterprise connectivity, boasting a revenue of approximately $8.7 billion. The company's commitment is not just about maintaining connections but enhancing business capabilities through digital transformation. During this episode, Mark provides us with a deeper insight into the lesser-known yet critical side of Vodafone Business. He details their comprehensive portfolio, which spans IoT, cloud, security, analytics, unified communications, and more, catering from small enterprises to large multinational corporations. With today's enterprise networks becom

Why should companies invest in social impact programs? Today on Tech Talks Daily, we delve into this compelling question with Brian Tippens, SVP and Chief Social Impact Officer at Cisco. Together, we explore how integrating social impact strategies not only drives positive change but also propels business outcomes forward. Cisco stands at the forefront of this movement, harnessing its vast technological resources and extensive ecosystem to champion an inclusive future for all. Our discussion will highlight Cisco's key initiatives that illustrate the profound intersection of social responsibility and business strategy. These efforts include climate sustainability, response to crises, advancement of social justice, skills development, community impact through employee engagement, economic empowerment, digital inclusion, and accessibility. In a time when ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) can spark controversy, Brian will share why companies like Cisco continue to invest in social impact, viewing it as

Are you ready to dive into the latest trends in digital operations? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I'm excited to welcome Carla DeSantis, Partner in Operations Transformation at PwC, to discuss the findings from PwC's recent Trends in Digital Operations Survey. Carla provides an in-depth look at the survey's key findings, highlighting that 69% of companies are not seeing returns on their technology investments in supply chain and operations. She explains the primary obstacles, including lack of user adoption, data quality issues, and the challenges of integrating new technology with legacy systems. Carla emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to transformation, rather than a siloed focus on individual pain points. One of the most intriguing aspects of our conversation is the discussion on AI integration. Despite nearly all respondents having some level of engagement with generative AI, only 20% report widespread use in operations and supply chain. Carla shares insights into what factors contri

  Are you ready to explore the future of data and AI? In our upcoming episode of Tech Talks Daily, I am thrilled to welcome Irfan Khan, Chief Product Officer at SAP, to discuss SAP's groundbreaking data and analytics portfolio, particularly the new SAP Data Sphere offering. Irfan brings a wealth of experience and insights, starting from his early interest in technology inspired by his father to his formative computing experiences with the BBC Micro and Amstrad CPC 464. His journey from CTO at Sybase to various sales roles at SAP has given him a unique customer-centric perspective that fuels his innovative approach to data and AI. Our conversation dives deep into the SAP Data Sphere, a revolutionary business virtual data fabric concept that allows for data federation without the need for physical data consolidation. This groundbreaking approach preserves data context and metadata, which are critical for training high-quality generative AI models. Irfan explains how Data Sphere leverages knowledg

How secure is your data really? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Rocco D'Amico, founder of Brass Valley, to explore the hidden threats and innovations in data security and management. Brass Valley began with a focus on data security for data centers and has since evolved into a leader in search engine optimization and data destruction innovations. Rocco sheds light on the often-overlooked danger of embedded data in off-network and end-of-life devices, explaining how even wiped devices can harbor hidden data that poses significant security risks. He discusses the importance of identifying gaps in your company's data protection and what a robust data risk management platform should accomplish. Rocco's insights into implementing high-reliability practices from industries like nuclear, healthcare, and aviation into IT asset disposition (ITAD) are invaluable, demonstrating how to minimize the risk of mega data breaches effectively. One of the standout moments from our conversation is Rocco's ac

  Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking for insights on how to navigate the tech startup world? In our latest episode of Tech Talks Daily, I had the pleasure of interviewing Luke Diaz, the founder of DBT Ventures, an angel investment fund dedicated to supporting underrepresented founders. Luke brings a wealth of experience leading customer success teams and has been instrumental in helping several startups scale from single-digit millions to over $100M in ARR. In our conversation, Luke delves into the challenges and opportunities for startups seeking funding. He shares valuable strategies on how to quantify your startup's potential, attract investor interest, and practice conscious leadership. Luke's commitment to fostering diversity in tech is truly inspiring, as he highlights the importance of providing venture capital to founders from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that innovative ideas are not overlooked due to traditional biases in the investment landscape. One of the standout moments from

In today's digitized age, the spectacle of live entertainment isn't just about the Wrestlers, but equally about the seamless technological orchestration that happens behind the scenes.  On this episode of Tech Talks Daily, we meet Ralph Riley, Director of Broadcast IT Systems at WWE, a man whose career has seen him evolve from an IT intern to a key player managing the nerve center of WWE’s broadcasting operations. Ralph's journey through the ranks of WWE offers a fascinating glimpse into how critical network management and cybersecurity are in ensuring that millions of viewers receive uninterrupted, high-quality broadcasts of their favorite wrestling events. With over 15 years in the field, Ralph has navigated the rapid evolution of technology and security, particularly in the demanding realm of media and entertainment. In 2020, Ralph's contributions were recognized with WWE’s ‘Code of Champions’ award, an accolade that highlighted his significant role in advancing WWE’s technological capabilities. His hands-

Are you and your business truly leveraging the power of AI in your workplace, or are we just scratching the surface amid the widespread hype? Today, I'm joined by Aruna Ravichandran, the dynamic Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Customer Officer at Webex by Cisco, who is making significant strides in technological and workforce transformations. Broadcasting from the vibrant Cisco Live event in Las Vegas, Aruna brings over two decades of experience from some of the most influential tech companies worldwide. In today’s episode, Aruna will explore the evolving landscape of work and the transformative role of AI. With her robust background in engineering and marketing, she is ideally positioned to discuss the convergence of technology and customer engagement. Aruna is not just a leader in digital marketing strategies; she's also a staunch advocate for women in STEM and brings perspectives on the future of work that are both innovative and deeply inspiring. So, hold on tight as we dive into a conversat

Have you ever wondered how one of the world's largest airlines ensures that every passenger interaction is seamless, both on the ground and in the air? Today, I'm joined by Dan Field, Director of Platform and Network Engineering at United Airlines.    Dan brings a wealth of experience integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency at United. With tools like Cisco's AppDynamics and innovative solutions like Agent on Demand, Dan and his team are revolutionizing travel.   Agent on Demand allows passengers to connect with agents via call, text, or even video chat. This service eliminates the need to physically wait in line, offering a more convenient option for travelers to manage their journey—everything from seat assignments to boarding times can be handled through a simple QR code scan.   Today's discussion isn't just about the technology itself but about how United Airlines leverages these advancements to significantly improve organizational efficiency and custo

Are you and your organization prepared for the future of cyber security? Today, I'm joined by Tom Gillis, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cisco's Security Business Group on the Tech Talks Daily Podcast.  Broadcasting directly from the vibrant atmosphere of Cisco Live in Las Vegas, Tom joins us to unravel the dynamics of cyber security within the framework of a renowned networking giant. With a career that spans influential roles at VMware and now at Cisco, Tom offers unique insights into the evolution of cybersecurity strategies and their crucial role in shaping business resilience. Tom discusses the latest innovations unveiled at Cisco Live. From the groundbreaking Cisco Hypershield to enhancements in AI-driven security management, these developments represent Cisco's commitment to fortifying enterprise defenses against increasingly sophisticated threats. As we delve into these topics, Tom will also share his personal journey and the reasons behind Cisco's accelerated innovation in recent ti

How can a fashion-forward brand like Steve Madden redefine the intersection of style and technology? In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I'm live at Cisco Live, engaging with Steve Madden's top tech minds: Kamran Siddique, VP, CISO & Head of Infrastructure, and Nitin Srivastava, Director of IT Infrastructure & Operations. We delve into the dynamic world of retail technology and explore how Steve Madden, a brand celebrated for its trendy footwear and accessories, leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance customer experiences worldwide. Despite its traditional association with fashion rather than tech, Steve Madden is making significant strides in integrating technology into its operations, particularly with its recent shift to a new SaaS-based POS system designed for iPads. During our discussion, Kamran will share insights on the crucial security measures Steve Madden prioritizes to protect customer data and ensure transaction integrity. We'll uncover how the brand maintains a balance

How is technology reshaping the way businesses connect with their customers? Today on Tech Talks Daily, I, Neil Hughes, sit down with Shad Aul, Senior Manager of Network Engineering at Lowe's, to uncover how the home improvement giant is transforming its customer interactions through a groundbreaking collaboration with Cisco. In our discussion, Shad delves into the strategic shift from a traditional on-premise solution to a unified SaaS platform using Cisco Webex Contact Center. This bold move not only streamlines operations across 25 business units and accommodates 8,781 agents but also plays a pivotal role in reducing Lowe's IT overheads and licensing costs significantly. With over 1 million customer calls handled seamlessly in the first quarter of 2024 alone, Lowe's exemplifies how scalability and reliability in technology can lead to superior customer service. Moreover, we explore how this technological overhaul is not just about efficiency but also enhancing customer satisfaction through a seamless omnic

In this episode, we explore the exciting developments in space technology with Liz Seward, Head of Space Strategy and Market Development at BAE Systems.  With a background in business development, marketing, thermal engineering, and mission systems engineering, Liz has worked on notable projects such as the ExoMars rover and a mission to return a sample from an asteroid. She is also a prominent figure in Women in Aerospace Europe and the International Astronautical Federation. Our conversation begins with an introduction to the role of space in defense, emphasizing the need for earth observation and near-real-time intelligence for multi-domain operations. Liz explains how space technology provides critical capabilities for global monitoring, weather forecasting, mapping, and communications, all essential for modern defense strategies. We delve into BAE Systems' re-entry into the space sector after 20 years, highlighting the Azalea project. Azalea is a groundbreaking initiative combining multiple sensors and m

In this episode, I sit down with Martin Reynolds, the Field CTO at Harness, to explore the rise of platform engineering as developers strive to accelerate digital innovation amidst rising costs and tightened budgets. Martin sheds light on the importance of internal developer portals (IDPs) in this evolving landscape. He argues that IDPs are crucial for ensuring developers can build at scale without increasing toil, especially given the rising complexity of software delivery pipelines in the cloud-native era. IDPs provide developers with a single pane of glass, allowing access to the necessary capabilities and infrastructure to deploy code and manage services efficiently. Much like how a bank’s customers need not worry about the backend processes when making a deposit, an IDP encapsulates the development infrastructure, enabling developers to focus solely on writing and committing code rather than getting bogged down by complex deployment processes. Martin discusses how this trend is set to further disrupt