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

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with James Smith, who leads ThoughtSpot’s business across EMEA. With over 15 years in the analytics space, James shares how AI is shifting the way organizations use data, and why that change is not just about technology, but also about mindset and culture. James explains how ThoughtSpot is helping businesses move toward a more autonomous model, where AI-powered tools handle repetitive queries and free up analysts for more strategic work. He shares how ThoughtSpot’s “Spotter” tool enables business users to ask and answer their own data questions, helping to reduce the bottlenecks that many central data teams face. But this isn’t about removing people from the process. It’s about enabling better collaboration between AI and human decision-makers, where transparency and context guide smarter actions. We also talk about ThoughtSpot’s internal motto, “2% done,” and how that mentality drives continuous innovation. In a world that’s changing rapidly, it’s a reminder th

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Marc Lueck from Zscaler to explore a security mindset shift that more businesses are beginning to embrace. The conversation revolves around the "Resilient by Design" principle, which encourages organizations to stop relying on reactive threat detection and start building systems that anticipate risk and limit impact from the outset. Marc explains how today’s cyber landscape demands more than traditional firewalls and legacy systems. He breaks down why Zero Trust should no longer be seen only as a remote access solution, but as a consistent, context-driven access model for all environments. From on-premises communication to lateral traffic between applications, Marc outlines how this model helps reduce vulnerabilities and prevent attacker movement inside the network. We also dive into the challenges posed by AI-driven attacks, where phishing, malware, and reconnaissance are increasingly automated and customized to each target. With these tactics becoming mor

What if the internet could run fully encrypted computations without sacrificing performance or control? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Yannik Schrade, CEO and Co-Founder of Arcium, to explore how confidential computing is reshaping the future of digital infrastructure. Arcium is building what Yannik describes as an encrypted supercomputer, a decentralized network that allows data to stay encrypted even during processing. This approach gives developers and organizations a way to build privacy-first applications across sectors like healthcare, finance, artificial intelligence, and government services. We talk through how Arcium leverages secure multi-party computation to make this possible and why that matters in a world where sensitive data is often a liability. Yannik explains how Arcium enables companies to collaborate without revealing proprietary data, and how it allows for mathematically provable trust in digital processes. From private order books in financial systems to AI models t

I sit down with Chris Hewish, Chief Strategy and Communications Officer at Xsolla, and Lee Jacobson, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Web3 at the same company. Together, they share how Xsolla is helping game developers adapt to the rapidly shifting digital economy by bridging blockchain innovation with proven business models in the gaming world. Xsolla is no stranger to transformation. With over two decades of experience and more than 2,500 games monetized through its platform, the company is once again stepping into a leadership role—this time at the intersection of Web3 and gaming commerce.  One of the headline announcements we discuss is the launch of Xsolla ZK, a new blockchain-powered solution built on ZKsync technology. It’s designed to scale Web3 experiences in a way that’s secure, accessible, and meaningful for developers and players alike. We explore the "digital backpack" concept that sits at the core of this initiative. This isn't just a marketing buzzword—it’s a player-owned inven

What does it take to simplify the chaos of multi-vendor data protection while keeping sovereignty, scalability, and automation firmly in sight? In this episode, I’m joined by Thomas Bak, CEO of Auwau, to explore how his company’s Cloud Utility platform is helping managed service providers and enterprise IT teams redefine control and efficiency. I had the pleasure of meeting Thomas at the IT Press Tour, where he shared not only the story behind Cloud Utility but also how Auwau is supporting white-labeling, API-first workflows, and fully integrated billing automation.  This isn’t about adding yet another tool to the tech stack. It’s about building a self-service-first platform that acts as a single control point for complex, multi-tenant environments. Cloud Utility enables service providers and internal IT departments to operate with greater transparency and agility, from backup and object storage to role-based access and recurring billing. Thomas also opens up about why many customers still demand on-prem dep

What does it really take to expose the criminal underworld operating in the hidden corners of the internet? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Gareth Owenson, Co-Founder and CTO of Searchlight Cyber, to uncover what’s really happening on the dark web and how organizations can take action before threats escalate. Gareth has spent more than a decade researching the Tor network and advising governments, law enforcement, and the military on how to track criminal activity online. His work has moved from academia into frontline cybersecurity operations, leading to major breakthroughs including the takedown of a hacker group targeting a national government. We explore what makes the dark web attractive to criminal networks, how threat actors are evolving, and what defenders can do with early signals from hidden forums, marketplaces, and anonymized networks. Gareth explains how criminals are using Tor to traffic malware, trade stolen data, and build ransomware businesses, and why many organizations still overlook t

What happens when blockchain meets AI infrastructure at scale? In today's episode, I sit down with Gaurav Sharma from io.net to explore how a decentralized GPU network could reshape the future of machine learning, AI development, and compute accessibility. io.net has grown rapidly over the past year. With more than 325,000 verified GPUs already in its decentralized network, it's offering an alternative to the high costs and limitations of traditional cloud compute. What caught my attention is the platform's ability to reduce GPU costs by up to 90 percent, giving startups and researchers access to performance that would otherwise be out of reach. In fact, over 73 partners have already integrated io.net's infrastructure, helping drive month-over-month network earnings growth of nearly 60 percent. But this conversation goes far deeper than computing. Gaurav walks me through the vision of a more transparent, open, and incentive-driven AI development ecosystem. From its collaboration with OKX to power Web3 infrast

What happens when AI meets the human side of hiring? In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Carr, CEO of SmartRecruiters, to unpack the shifting role of HR in a rapidly evolving talent landscape. With new research showing that 56 percent of leaders say talent acquisition has become significantly more challenging over the past five years, Rebecca offers a timely and thought-provoking perspective on how AI can help – and where it can’t. We explore the tension between automation and human connection, and how organizations can strike the right balance to create meaningful candidate experiences without sacrificing speed or scalability. From improving candidate discovery and reducing administrative overhead to using AI to flag unconscious bias in job descriptions, Rebecca shares how SmartRecruiters is pushing the boundaries of what recruiting platforms can do. We also touch on the implications of generative AI, the importance of explainability in AI-driven decisions, and how HR teams can move from being transacti

What happens when the hype around generative AI starts to mature, and businesses begin asking harder questions about performance, risk, and long-term value? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Mike Mason, Chief AI Officer at Thoughtworks, to explore how 2025 is shaping up across the enterprise AI landscape—from the rise of intelligent agents to the growing traction of small, nimble models that prioritize security and specificity. Mike brings a deep, practical perspective on the evolution of AI inside complex organizations. He unpacks how AI agents are moving well beyond basic chatbots and starting to integrate into actual business workflows—performing as teammates that can reason, adapt, and even collaborate with other agents. We dig into examples like Klarna's workforce transformation and examine how this shift could play out across customer service, internal ops, and software development. We also look at what’s fueling the boom in open source AI and how companies are navigating the balance between transparenc

What does it really take to implement generative AI in a way that balances innovation, governance, and long-term value? In today’s episode, , I’m joined by Emma Irwin, Director of Sales Engineering at Dataiku. With a deep background in enterprise AI and experience supporting major organizations like AVIVA and the NHS, Emma brings a grounded, real-world perspective to one of the most hyped areas in tech today. While most businesses are ramping up GenAI investments, few have the processes, controls, or workforce skill sets needed to scale safely and effectively. Emma and I dive straight into the challenges that IT leaders are facing right now—from managing LLM usage and controlling cost, to building secure frameworks that actually reduce risk rather than amplify it. Emma unpacks the three key pillars every organization needs for sustainable GenAI success: access controls that keep your stack flexible, robust discovery mechanisms to document LLM usage across the enterprise, and value quantification to show the r

What if your mobile app could detect bugs, fix UI inconsistencies, and spot user frustration before a user ever reports it? In today’s episode, I sit down with Kenny Johnston, Chief Product Officer at Instabug, to explore how AI is reshaping the way developers build, test, and maintain mobile apps. Instabug is taking mobile observability to an entirely new level by developing what Kenny describes as “zero maintenance apps.” Powered by on-device AI models, their platform can now detect subtle UX breakdowns, visual design flaws, and even frustration signals that wouldn’t normally trigger crash reports. Whether it’s an unresponsive button, a layout shift, or a broken navigation path, Instabug flags the issue, often before a user ever notices. Kenny shares how Instabug’s approach to AI is helping development teams move faster and smarter, particularly in high-stakes environments like retail and e-commerce where performance peaks during events like Black Friday or Valentine’s Day. Through real-time crash reporting

What happens when Microsoft joins forces with IGEL to reimagine the future of endpoint computing? In today’s episode, recorded live at IGEL’s Now & Next 2025 in Miami, I sit down with Scott Manchester, Vice President of Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop at Microsoft. With decades of experience at the helm of virtualization and cloud innovation, Scott brings a grounded yet forward-looking view of how Microsoft is enabling businesses to adapt to the evolving demands of work. Our conversation explores how Microsoft and IGEL are working together to address real enterprise challenges—from simplifying endpoint management to ensuring high-performance, secure digital workspaces. We look at how Windows 365 Cloud PC and Azure Virtual Desktop are helping businesses embrace the cloud while navigating the transition to Windows 11. And we discuss the real-world implications of this shift, from extending the lifecycle of devices to increasing flexibility for IT teams and remote users alike. Scott also opens up about

What does bringing clarity and control to today’s fragmented digital work environments take? In this episode, recorded live at IGEL Now & Next 2025, I sit down with Tommy Walker, Partner CTO at Omnissa, to explore the intersection of user experience, security, and operational simplicity in modern enterprise IT. With career-spanning roles at VMware, Citrix, and Cisco, Tommy offers a real-world perspective on navigating complexity while building meaningful solutions that work at scale. This is a conversation grounded in reality. We discuss how organizations can move beyond legacy infrastructure and simplify their digital workspace strategy without overwhelming users or IT teams. Tommy shares how Omnissa is helping enterprises shift from scattered tools and outdated workflows to unified, AI-informed platforms that boost both productivity and resilience. We also unpack the practical steps for tackling challenges like technical debt, the Windows 10 end-of-life transition, and rising pressure on IT to deliver m

What does it truly take to secure the edge of the enterprise in a multi-cloud, AI-driven world? At IGEL Now & Next 2025 in Miami, I sat down with Marissa Schmidt, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, to unpack the future of endpoint computing and cybersecurity from a perspective rooted in deep research, hands-on insight, and strategic clarity. As hybrid work continues to scale and the cloud cements itself as the core of modern infrastructure, new demands are being placed on endpoint operating systems, access frameworks, and cloud security models. Marissa brings a clear-eyed view of what’s working, what’s changing, and what IT leaders need to start doing differently. In this conversation, we explore how AI is reshaping both attack and defense strategies, why the OS layer has become a strategic asset, and what Gartner is seeing in terms of the biggest shifts in cloud networking and endpoint security in 2025. We also dig into the principles behind zero trust, the realities of managing dozens of overl

What does it really take to reimagine the future of endpoint computing? In this special episode recorded live from IGEL’s Now and Next 2025 event in Miami, I sit down with Klaus Oestermann, CEO of IGEL, to explore how cybersecurity, digital workspaces, and user experience are being transformed at the edge. Klaus is no stranger to innovation, having spent decades in high-assurance security across critical industries, and now leading IGEL’s mission to simplify, secure, and modernize how enterprises manage endpoints. Our conversation starts by unpacking the shift from traditional perimeter-based security models to a new way of thinking rooted in prevention. Klaus explains how IGEL's Preventative Security Model addresses modern threats by dramatically reducing the attack surface at the endpoint and flipping the conversation from detection and response to control and containment. With more organizations relying on hybrid work and SaaS-based applications, the endpoint has never been more critical—or more vulnerabl

What if the next major leap in cybersecurity isn't a new tool but a smarter way to think about the edge? In this special episode recorded live at IGEL Now & Next 2025 in Miami, I sit down with John Walsh, Field CTO for Critical Sectors at IGEL, to unpack the changing face of endpoint security, the rise of zero trust, and the role of AI in shaping both threats and defenses. John brings a career’s worth of insight across aerospace, defense, and high-assurance systems to a conversation that covers the shifting threat landscape and how IGEL’s preventative security model is helping organizations reduce complexity while strengthening security. He explores the vulnerabilities introduced by hybrid work, BYOD environments, and the increasing reliance on AI models that interact with an enterprise’s most sensitive data. We dive into how zero trust is evolving from a marketing buzzword into a practical framework built on collaboration, unified management, and strong policy enforcement at the endpoint. John breaks dow

What’s the return on your AI investment? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Varun Bijlani, Global Managing Partner for Hybrid Cloud Services at IBM Consulting, to explore why 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for IT leaders under pressure to deliver stronger, measurable outcomes from technology investments. While many IT projects have historically delivered modest returns, expectations are rising. With a growing number of executives focused on increasing ROI by 25 percent or more, the ability to connect AI efforts to real business value is becoming non-negotiable. Drawing on insights from IBM Consulting’s latest book, The Great Tech Reset, Varun outlines how the shift from experimental AI projects to production-level deployment is exposing the cracks in outdated infrastructure strategies. He explains why many businesses are trapped in what he calls a hybrid by default architecture, and how that limits the potential of generative AI. Instead, he advocates for a hybrid by design approach, one that aligns c

What can the UK learn from the Nordic approach to manufacturing—and how can technology play a central role in revitalising the sector? This week on Tech Talks Daily, I sat down with Simon Ranyard, Managing Director for Northwest Europe at Orange Business, to explore the strategic differences between two regions facing similar challenges but moving in very different directions. Simon brings a unique cross-regional view, overseeing Orange Business operations across the UK, Ireland, and the Nordics. While labour shortages and productivity declines are shared concerns, Simon explains why Nordic manufacturers have responded with long-term investments in digitisation and automation, creating not just gains in efficiency but also a rise in high-skill employment. In contrast, many UK firms are still defaulting to short-term headcount increases, missing the bigger opportunity. We discuss the data behind the divergence, including why Sweden has three times the robot density of the UK, and what that means for output and

How do you turn AI investment into measurable outcomes, not just inflated expectations? In this episode, I’m joined by Dennis Woodside, CEO of Freshworks, to unpack how mid-sized businesses can move fast with AI, show results quickly, and stay competitive without enterprise-level complexity or pricing. Dennis shares how Freshworks is helping companies achieve real productivity gains and customer support improvements through accessible, enterprise-grade AI tools. With solutions that boost agent performance, reduce repetitive tickets, and deliver useful insights to managers, Freshworks is proving that you don’t need to be a tech giant to see value from AI. We also explore the challenges that hold mid-market businesses back from adopting AI, and how Freshworks is helping them overcome barriers with tools that are fast to implement, easy to evaluate, and flexible enough to grow with the business. Dennis also reflects on what the industry can learn from customer case studies, including how one company achieved ove

Why do so many businesses struggle to turn insight into impact? At the X4 Summit in Salt Lake City, I sat down with Adam Hagerman, UX Research Director at Indeed, for a refreshingly candid conversation about how his team has helped reshape the company’s approach to research, collaboration, and decision-making. In a tech culture that values autonomy and individualism, aligning people around a shared understanding of user needs is no small feat—but it’s exactly what Adam has been working on. In this episode, we unpack how Indeed built a shared research framework that breaks down silos, creates a common language, and encourages teams across the business to talk to one another in more meaningful ways. Adam shares how his team tackles the challenge of information overload by focusing on relevance over volume—and how measurement itself becomes a shared system of accountability across functions. We also discuss the evolving role of AI in research, including how Adam’s team uses it to reduce cognitive overhead, accel