#ShiftHappens Podcast: Recent Episodes
AvePoint, Inc.
It’s story first in this entertaining IT and Microsoft 365 focused podcast. Host Dux Raymond Sy talks with the industry’s brightest stars about their most challenging modern workplace or digital transformation project. #ShiftHappens highlights the players, organizational hurdles, and last-minute surprises that inevitably arise when ambitious people try to impact their workspace.
Most companies think they have a messaging problem. In reality, they haven't defined who they are and their place in the market.
In this episode of #shifthappens, Mike Damphousse, co-founder of Category Design Advisors and co-author of The Category Creation Formula, breaks down why standing out goes beyond being better than the competition. When you own the category, the market doesn't compare you to others — it chooses you on your terms. He explains how category design moves beyond marketing into company-wide strategy, why AI alone won't differentiate your business, and how the most successful companies shape how the market thinks before competitors can.
GenAI has industrialized social engineering. The human entry point is now automated, personalized, and scalable, and that changes how security leaders must defend.
In this #shifthappens episode, Andrew Carr, Managing Director and Global Head of Threat Management for Booz Allen Hamilton's Commercial Incident Response team, joins AvePoint Chief Brand Officer Dux Raymond Sy and AvePoint Chief Risk, Privacy, and Information Security Officer Dana Simberkoff to unpack what's genuinely new about AI-driven attacks — and what organizations need to do about it.
Drawing on frontline incident response across healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and more, Andrew explains why attackers no longer need to compromise systems to extract millions, why built-in trust is now a liability, and why the fundamentals that have been ignored for too long – zero trust, data classification, least privilege – are exactly what this moment demands. He also breaks down how AI should be used in defense: not as autopilot, but as a human-augmented layer that triages, prioritizes, and buys decision-makers the time they no longer have.
Most organizations gave everyone access to AI — and then watched them use it as a search engine.
In this episode of #shifthappens, Marco Galimberti, CEO of Venchi Asia Pacific, explains why the real shift is AI use. Drawing from his experience leading a global premium brand across manufacturing, retail, and consumer engagement, Marco breaks down where AI creates immediate value (process automation, pattern recognition, shift optimization) and where the longer-term opportunity lies: transforming how brands understand and respond to what customers actually want.
The conversation covers why data overabundance is more dangerous than data scarcity, why AI currently works better in the hands of experienced professionals who can verify its outputs, why education systems need to prioritize fundamentals over tools, and why leaders who use AI openly and normalize it across their teams are the ones driving real adoption.
AI readiness doesn't start with AI; it starts with the infrastructure most organizations overlook. In this episode of #shifthappens, Lior Bela, Business Director for Microsoft Intune, breaks down what it actually takes to prepare managed service providers (MSPs) and their customers for AI adoption, and why skipping the foundation creates more risk than it solves.
Lior explains why cloud-native environments are the prerequisite, not the afterthought, for AI success — comparing the journey to paving a road before driving a car on it. He discusses how legacy tooling and on-prem comfort create a growth ceiling, why AI agents should be governed with the same guardrails as employees, and what happens when organizations fail to offer sanctioned AI tools: shadow AI fills the gap.
The conversation also covers the three-tier path to AI maturity, from baseline alignment to assisted automation to full autonomy, and why building trust in AI follows the same arc as trusting a driverless car. Lior closes with a practical 30-day action plan any MSP can follow: learn, experiment in a sandbox, and deploy on low-risk, high-impact processes.
AI is reshaping how work gets done — but the deeper shift is where control sits. Increasingly, that control lives in the browser.
In this episode of #shifthappens, Arunesh Chandra, Head of Product for Microsoft Edge for Business, breaks down how the browser has evolved into the environment where employees access information, interact with tools, and engage with AI. As this layer takes on greater responsibility, it brings control, visibility, and governance closer to the flow of work.
That change is prompting organizations to rethink how oversight is applied within the systems employees use every day.
AI is already shaping how data in healthcare is accessed, exchanged, and used across clinical, operational, and development workflows.
In this episode of #shifthappens, Kuma Partner and Executive Vice President of Privacy & Security Jenn Johnson explains why traditional governance approaches are being stretched — and where leaders need to respond differently. Drawing on real-world experience, Jenn outlines how established HIPAA foundations still matter, yet why AI forces organizations to rethink long‑held assumptions about consent, authorization, vendor risk, and data transparency.
Most organizations treat AI adoption as a technology rollout. However, the ones gaining traction treat it as a leadership and culture challenge. In this episode of #shifthappens, Monica French, USA SMB Director at Microsoft, shares what she's hearing directly from small business leaders navigating AI — and why the human side of adoption is where most initiatives either accelerate or stall.
Monica draws on frontline conversations with SMB founders, MSP partners, and her own career pivoting from traditional banking to fintech to explain why experiential learning outperforms passive training, why the chief human resource officer (CHRO) belongs at the AI table alongside the chief technology officer (CTO), and how lightweight governance can coexist with early experimentation. She also unpacks the gap between executive ambition and employee readiness — and what leaders can do to close it.
Security frameworks and regulations may change, but the underlying challenge stays the same: Many organizations still struggle to understand their data — how it moves, where it lives, and who is responsible for protecting it.
In this #shifthappens episode, Summit 7 Systems CEO Scott Edwards explores what today’s defense and government supply chains reveal about security readiness, using Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) as a practical pressure point. Drawing on real‑world examples from contractors, subcontractors, and multinational organizations, the conversation examines gaps in data security, classification, and ownership. It also highlights the disconnect between AI adoption and basic security hygiene across defense and government supply chains. Together, these challenges show why security readiness must be led at the organizational level.
Zero Trust is a responsibility leaders choose to own.
In this #shifthappens episode, we’re joined by Nicolas Blank, CTO of NBConsult, to unpack why most security programs fail before technology even enters the picture.
Through analogies and real‑world examples, Nicolas explains why Zero Trust starts with leadership alignment, emotional buy‑in, and clear guardrails. The conversation explores what “assume breach” really means, why AI agents introduce new trust boundaries, how sovereignty and control are deeply connected, and why security breaks down the moment responsibility is outsourced.
Cybersecurity now runs on data, and that dependence is reshaping how organizations think about privacy, risk, and governance. As teams collect more signals to detect threats, long‑standing assumptions about how data should be limited, shared, and protected are being tested.
In this episode of #shifthappens, Bojana Bellamy, President of the Centre for Information Policy Leadership (CIPL), discusses why privacy and cybersecurity can no longer be governed in silos. She explains how regulation, global data flows, and technologies like AI are pushing organizations toward integrated risk models and shared accountability — shifting security and privacy from technical functions to leadership decisions.
Most AI strategies struggle not because the technology is immature, but because organizations treat AI as a technical upgrade instead of an organizational shift.
In this episode of #shifthappens, Bud Caddell, Founder of NOBL, shares what he’s seeing inside large, complex enterprises in 2026. From the repeated mistakes of the first digital transformation to the week‑by‑week acceleration of AI capability, Bud explains why AI is forcing leaders to confront something deeper: how decisions actually get made, how incentives collide, and which trade‑offs remain unspoken. The conversation focuses on navigating skepticism and silos, and addressing the growing gap between pilot and scale.
What if AI could do more than automate tasks—what if it could transform how your organization solves problems, builds trust, and drives innovation? In this episode of #shifthappens, Erin Rollenhagen, Founder and CEO of People-Friendly Tech, shares a bold blueprint for leaders: start with what truly matters to your people, simplify relentlessly, and turn compliance into a launchpad for creativity. Discover how ethical, user-centered AI can elevate your brand, empower your teams, and deliver results that stick. Plus, hear the story of an app that went from one to five stars by putting users first.
AI is everywhere, but turning it into lasting value is a challenge for every organization. In this episode of #shifthappens, Claire Engels, Senior Manager for Collaboration Experience & Productivity at Versuni, shares how to make AI adoption practical, sustainable, and people-first. From building momentum with small wins to keeping teams engaged beyond the initial rollout, Claire explores what it takes to move AI from hype to habit.
Greg van der Gaast, cybersecurity leader and founder of Sequoia Consulting, shares why modern security keeps failing — and it’s not because attackers are getting smarter. Drawing from his path from teenage hacker to government witness to CISO, Greg reveals how weak IT foundations, broken processes, and poor data habits create the conditions for most breaches. He explains why security must be treated as a quality discipline, how unstructured data quietly multiplies risk, and how AI can finally help uncover the root causes that organizations often overlook.
Ally Ward, M365 Product and Platform Services Manager at a leading global law firm, shares how innovation takes shape in one of the most complex business environments for this #shifthappens episode.
Managing technology across regions, regulations, and cultures, Ally leads the firm’s strategy for responsible AI and collaboration at scale. She discusses how data-driven adoption, strong governance, and an inclusive approach to training help transform ambitious ideas into everyday impact — creating a workplace where technology builds both confidence and capacity.
How do you thrive when cultural expectations, career pivots, and global moves collide? In this episode of #shifthappens, we sit down with Angela Chen, Microsoft’s Communications Lead, podcast host, and mentor to the next generation of tech talent. Angela shares how growing up in an Asian cultural context shaped her views on personal branding, why mentorship must be a two-way street, and how she redefined work-life balance into a life-work blend. Her story – spanning journalism, entertainment, and tech – proves that resilience isn’t just about adapting to change, it’s about intentionally writing your own playbook.
In this #shifthappens episode, Travis Hann, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Pender & Howe and Board Member at Kestria, shares how AI is transforming executive search — without replacing the human judgment that defines great leadership. From the cost of a bad hire to the traits that set modern leaders apart, Travis discusses why curiosity, humility, and storytelling matter more than ever, and how balancing innovation with genuine human connection is crucial to success.
Work today feels busier than ever, and yet, we’re all expected to do more. That tension between what people can give and what organizations demand is what Shawn Villaron calls the “capacity chasm.”
In this episode of #shifthappens, Microsoft’s Vice President of Customer and Strategic Initiatives in the Office Product Group, Shawn Villaron, shares how AI can help bridge that gap by empowering people, not replacing them. He discusses giving teams “permission to play” with AI, fostering a culture where curiosity and experimentation drive progress, and why, sometimes, responsible innovation means saying no — even to a great idea.
Autonomy in tech is already changing how we move. In this episode, Michael Kelly, Chief Strategy Officer of Mozee, shares how people-first technology is making urban transportation safer, more efficient, and more connected. Michael discusses the practical realities of deploying autonomous vehicles, the importance of building trust with communities, and how these advances in mobility are inspiring new ways to think about technology’s role in our daily lives.
In this #shifthappens episode, Ghazenfer Mansoor, CEO and founder of Technology Rivers, shares how real AI adoption in healthcare starts with trust, not tech. From HIPAA-first design to clinician-led workflows, Ghazenfer reveals why starting small, designing for compliance, and embedding AI invisibly into operations are the keys to scaling transformation in the industry. He also dives into the ethical challenges of bias, the strategic tension between HIPAA and GDPR, and why human oversight remains essential in care delivery.
Plastic pollution is an environmental crisis and a leadership challenge. In this episode of #shifthappens, we sit down with Nanette Medved Po, founder of HOPE and Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX), to talk about what it takes to move from pledges to action. From failed treaty negotiations to grassroots innovation, Nanette shares how governments, businesses, and individuals can take real responsibility for their plastic footprint. We cover lessons from why “start and improve” beats waiting for perfection and how leaders can turn systemic problems into opportunities for impact.
Virtual CMO for B2B Tech Companies Mark Donnigan shares his philosophy: Don’t compete – create. In this #shifthappens episode, Mark explains how it’s not the perfect plan that wins in the AI era but the team that can move fast and keep improving. He reveals how to reshape marketing teams into nimble “marketing pods,” hand repetitive work to AI, and give people more time for the creative, strategic work that actually gets buyers to say “yes.”
Thriving in the partner ecosystem takes more than great tech. In this episode of #shifthappens, Vince Menzione, founder of Ultimate Partner and former Microsoft executive, shares what it takes to succeed in a hyperscaler-driven economy. From the rise of agentic AI to the evolution of co-selling and marketplace strategies, Vince unpacks how companies can navigate constant disruption. With decades’ worth of experience, he reminds us that at the heart of it all is trust, alignment, and the people behind the partnerships.
Agentic AI is becoming a strategic layer in enterprise operations. In this #shifthappens episode, Shashank Kapadia, AI and Machine Learning Thought Leader, shares how AI is evolving from content generator to intelligent decision-maker. He breaks down what this shift means for leaders, how to overcome adoption hurdles, and why 2025 is the breakout year for agentic AI.
Shashank Kapadia's comments and opinions are provided in their personal capacity and not as a representative of Walmart. They do not reflect the views of Walmart and are not endorsed by Walmart.
AI adoption starts with small, visible habits, not just with strategy decks. In this #shifthappens episode, Matt Berg, Microsoft’s Director of AI Business Solutions Business Strategy, shares how leaders can quietly but powerfully shape AI culture by using Copilot in real, everyday ways. From smart prompting to gamified challenges and Excel hacks, our conversation is a playbook for modeling confidence without forcing change.
Leadership in complex times isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about knowing how to create the conditions for learning, trust, and growth. In this #shifthappens episode, Nate Allen, retired Army officer and co-author of Taking the Guidon, reflects on what it really takes to lead through uncertainty. From psychological safety to leadership development that spans generations, Nate unpacks lessons shaped in high-stakes environments and shows how they translate to today’s business challenges. We explore how leaders can respond with intention, learn from the edges of their organization, run “safe to fail” experiments, and turn reflection into a daily habit.
When AI reshapes the workplace, emotional intelligence becomes your edge.
Vladimer Botsvadze, globally recognized marketing influencer by Thinkers360, AI advisor, and Techstars mentor, explains how businesses can stay ahead by combining tech adoption with authentic human connection. He explores how AI is shifting talent demands, why personal branding is now a business asset, and what enterprises must do to navigate change while staying deeply human.
AI is reshaping modern leadership — and Jeff Epstein is here to help us decode the shift. In Part 2 of our two-part series, we go beyond the balance sheet and into what makes great boards work, how to lead through uncertainty, and why AI agents will soon outnumber your team. From Charlie Munger’s mental models to the next generation of work, this episode is a crash course in navigating disruption with clarity and confidence.
What separates a good CFO from a transformational one? Jeff Epstein, Operating Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners and former Oracle CFO, breaks it down. In this episode, he shares battle-tested strategies on balancing growth and profitability, turning finance into a lever for innovation, and building governance systems that scale. This two-part episode is a must-listen for business leaders managing high-stakes decisions in large-scale environments.
The finance world is shifting fast, and AI is leading this change. However, how can organizations use it responsibly to maintain trust and stay compliant? Ahikam Kaufman, CEO of Safebooks AI, breaks down how AI is helping CFOs and finance teams automate financial data validation, reduce fraud, and navigate growing compliance demands.
AI is moving fast, and for Ron Green, co-founder and CTO of kungfu.ai, it’s about more than just new tools. It’s about how to work with them. In this #shifthappens episode, Ron shares his journey into the field, his thoughts on AGI, and why human oversight still matters. We look at how AI is changing software development, where creativity fits in, and how businesses can adapt without losing control.
AI is here to stay, but are businesses using it effectively? In this episode, Kevin Dean, President and CEO of ManoByte, shares how companies can move beyond AI experimentation and integrate it into their core strategy. This episode dives into AI adoption, the evolving role of IT, and how AI-driven solutions like digital agents are transforming industries.
The Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry is undergoing a major shift as AI, automation, and cybersecurity redefine business operations. In this #shifthappens episode, Jorn Wittendorp, Founder of Ydentic, and Mario Carvajal, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at AvePoint, discuss the Ydentic-AvePoint acquisition, the trends affecting the industry, and strategies for MSPs to stay ahead.
shifthappens 100th episode dives into one of the biggest challenges in tech: staying secure while pushing innovation forward. In this episode, Crayon CEO Melissa Mulholland went from Intel intern to global tech leader and now helps organizations navigate security, innovation, and the future of cyber resilience.
Cybercrime is advancing fast, with AI playing a significant role in both attacks and defense. In this episode of #shifthappens, we sit down with cybersecurity expert and Have I Been Pwned Founder Troy Hunt to uncover the real threats of data breaches, why some companies suppress or delay breach disclosures, and how AI is reshaping cybersecurity — both for good and bad. From social engineering scams to the future of AI-powered security measures, this episode offers valuable insights to help you stay safer online.
AI is transforming data security, but not by changing the rules; it’s amplifying both risks and rewards. In this episode of the #shifthappens podcast, Bob Buda, Founder of Buda Consulting, shares how organizations can harness AI without compromising data integrity. He highlights the importance of getting the basics right for AI-driven insights. From managing unstructured data to addressing AI-powered threats, Bob also offers a compelling vision for the future, all powered by AI. Tune in for practical insights and a fresh perspective on AI’s real potential.
The future of accessible AI isn't just about creating new technologies – it's about ensuring technologies serve everyone regardless of ability. Ioana Tanase, AI and Accessibility Program Manager at Microsoft, shares 97% of the world's websites are not accessible, underscoring the magnitude of the digital divide that people with disabilities face daily. This reveals the tremendous opportunities and critical responsibilities of technological evolution, including data privacy, mental health applications, and the future of human-AI interaction. She delves into important considerations around meta-prompting and safety measures in developing responsible AI systems, offering valuable perspectives for developers and business leaders.
AI agents represent the next frontier in artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional AI, which requires explicit instructions, AI agents can take actions on behalf of users and solve semi-complex tasks.This democratization of AI allows businesses of all sizes to compete on a level playing field and innovate in ways that were previously unimaginable. Sam Mallikarjunan, a growth strategist, entrepreneur, and the Growth Lead at agent.ai, shares the importance of making AI accessible to everyone.
Leadership plays a crucial role in driving digital transformation. A hands-on approach is exemplified by leaders like Jeff Bezos and Satya Nadella, who are actively involved in solving problems and understanding their businesses from the ground up — actively rolling up their sleeves and working alongside their teams. Learn why traditional operational approaches often fail in transformation initiatives with John Rossman, Thought Leader and Advisor on Digital Transformation and author of Big Bet Leadership. He breaks down two principles that have had a profound impact on his career and continue to resonate with leaders worldwide: customer obsession and “invent and simplify.”
Join us as Javier Inclán, Assistant Inspector General for Management and CIO at the National Science Foundation - Office of Inspector General (NSF OIG), debunks the myth that government lags in technology. Discover how NSF OIG attracts top talent through programs like the NSF-funded Scholarship for Service, and learn about the critical role of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the workplace. Plus, explore the transformative potential of generative AI in public service.
Imagine a world where sorting through stacks of invoices and summarizing financial reports is no longer a tedious task, but one accomplished quickly and accurately by AI. This picture is becoming increasingly a reality driven by technological advancements, private equity investments in CPA firms, and a shrinking talent pipeline. David Hartley, Partner-in-Charge of Advisory at Anders CPAs + Advisors, discusses AI adoption challenges and how technology is reshaping the industry known for its conservative nature and resistance to change. How can accounting firms successfully navigate this shift?
The business technology landscape is rapidly evolving, but not in the ways many expected. Rather than returning to "normalcy" following the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations face new challenges in a more complex environment accelerated by digital transformation. Jon Reed, Co-Founder of diginomica, offers a unique perspective on responsible AI implementation, the gap between vendor hype and practical reality, and the importance of education in successful AI deployments.
One of the key challenges in AI adoption is overcoming resistance rooted in misconceptions about what AI is and how it works. Daniel Larsson, Senior Architect at Cristie Nordic, highlights the importance of education in the AI adoption process. By demystifying AI and explaining its limitations as well as its capabilities, organizations can help employees feel more comfortable with the technology and understand its potential benefits.
How can we overcome the stigma that when one uses AI, it means they didn’t put any thought into their task? By understanding AI's strengths and limitations, we can create a distinction that the future of AI is not about automation, but collaboration. Maarten Eekels, Global Solution Director for Data & AI at Rapid Circle and Microsoft MVP & Regional Director shares his insights on adopting generative AI in businesses. He also explores innovative use cases, from AI-powered conference hosts to mental health applications, encouraging responsible AI use as a copilot and its potential to elevate our work, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
Empowering women in technology through education, mentorship, and networking—this is the mission of Christine Bongard, the co-founder and CEO of the WIT Network, a global non-profit organization dedicated on providing professional development, technology training, and leadership development for women. In this #shifthappens episode, we explore the impact of AI in the technology industry, addressing both the opportunities and challenges AI presents for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Portugal is experiencing a cultural and digital shift with the bring-your-own-AI trend spanning across generations. According to the 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report from Microsoft and LinkedIn, 85% of Gen Z employees and 73% of boomers are already bringing their AI skills and knowledge to the workplace. Andrés Ortolá, General Manager of Microsoft Portugal, shares his insights on AI's potential to digitally transform traditional industries like education, healthcare, and justice, as well as the importance of responsible AI implementation.
According to the Microsoft Work Trend Index, 88% of knowledge workers in Vietnam use generative AI, higher than the global average of 75%. Vietnam has long been known for its young, open-minded, and tech-savvy population. Tram Nguyen, General Director of Microsoft Vietnam, shares fascinating insights into how the country is now taking giant leaps in technology adoption, particularly in AI innovation.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the global business landscape, and Australia and New Zealand are no exception. In this episode of the #shifthappens podcast, Chandima Kulathilake, Account Technology Strategist for Microsoft ANZ Public Sector, shared valuable insights on AI adoption trends, challenges, and opportunities in the region. He emphasized that successful AI implementation depends on factors such as digital skilling, maturity, and the availability of quality data sets that people can trust.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept but a transformative tool reshaping industries and revolutionizing the way we live, learn, and work. In this episode of #shifthappens Alex Pearce, a Microsoft MVP and a Chief Strategist for Microsoft and Education at Softcat, shares insights on leveraging Microsoft's Copilot capabilities to maximize investments and drive innovation in education, healthcare, and the workplace.
Many businesses are concerned about the impact of AI on content creation and SEO. Greg Brooks, Partner and CMO at SearchTides, offers a balanced perspective suggesting that AI should be viewed as a powerful assistant rather than a replacement for human expertise. AI can significantly boost productivity but maintaining authenticity in an AI-driven world remains crucial for creating truly valuable content for better customer experience.
How can writers strike a balance between the human element and AI collaboration? In this engaging episode of #shifthappens, Nick Usborne, a pioneer in digital copywriting with over four decades of industry experience, delves into effectively leveraging generative AI with prompt engineering and creating powerful content with emotional storytelling. He also shares insightful perspectives on the industry transformation to a more data-driven approach and potential pitfalls of overreliance on AI making it harder to differentiate your content and to connect with audiences.
It’s not always about successes and failures, each step and experience are just as important in your journey to transformation. In this episode of #shifthappens, Michael Frew, a technology veteran with more than 20 years of experience in the industry, shares his insights on the pros and cons of acquiring a business and navigating the challenges that come with ownership. He also discusses the impact of AI on business valuations and the importance of finding the right fit for both the company and the talent involved.
The only thing constant in life is change. In this episode of the #shifthappens Podcast, Eric Savitz, Associate Editor for Technology at Barron's, brings in a unique perspective on the ever-evolving nature of technology industry. He provides an inside look at Microsoft's ability to adapt and lead in areas like cloud and AI, and the importance of embracing change and bringing customers along in the journey. Eric also touches on the role of data, security concerns, and how digital transformation is reshaping journalism.
Building a strong personal brand can be a game-changer for your career and business growth. In this episode of the #shifthappens Podcast, Scott Brant, Director at Inspire Cloud Technologies and Founder of Your 365 Coach, shares his transformative journey from overcoming self-doubt to becoming a successful thought leader. Scott also shares insights into leveraging social media to create content, building trust with your audience to drive business development, and generating real ROI. Don’t miss out! It's time to shift your personal brand into high gear.
In a world that moves at the speed of light, it takes a special kind of determination to not just survive, but to thrive. In this captivating episode of the #shifthappens podcast, we’ll dive deep into Jason Yarusi’s extraordinary journey as an entrepreneur and founder of Yarusi Holdings. Jason's story is a testament to the transformative power of breaking free from old patterns and empowering your team to reach new heights. As he shares his insights, get ready to be taken on a powerful journey, exploring the magic that happens when you harness the power of incremental progress. Buckle up, because Jason Yarusi is here to show us how to become truly unstoppable.
In this episode of #shifthappens, Dona Sarkar, Chief Troublemaker for Copilot and AI Extensibility at Microsoft, takes us on an immersive exploration of the AI revolution. She discusses the importance of data hygiene, the need for clear use cases, and the future of AI as an agent that can plan, recommend, and execute tasks alongside humans. With her infectious passion and valuable insights, she unravels the challenges and opportunities as organizations embrace this transformative technology.
In this #shifthappens podcast episode, AvePoint Chief Brand Officer Dux Raymond Sy dives into a fascinating conversation with Peter Voss, the CEO and Founder of Aigo.AI. Peter shares his decades-long journey in the field of artificial intelligence, from starting his own software company to ultimately setting his sights on building artificial general intelligence (AGI). He discusses the key differences between narrow AI and AGI, the challenges of commercializing AGI research, and his vision for how real AGI could transform industries and dramatically improve the human condition.
In this episode of the #shifthappens podcast, Richard Harbridge, Chief Technology Officer at 2toLead, Microsoft MVP, and AvePoint Community Champion, joins us in an insightful discussion on how to maximize productivity, quality, and collaboration with AI tools like Microsoft's Copilot. Join us as we dive deep into best practices for AI adoption, including team-based learning models, considerations around security and compliance, and measuring ROI through improved outcomes.
Matthew Bookspan, CEO of Orlando-based MSP Blacktip, joins the #shifthappens podcast to discuss enabling digital transformation for organizations, large and small. In this episode, we cover the critical role of MSPs as technology partners—from adapting to trends, managing environments, empowering customers with emerging technologies, following best practices for a secure Microsoft 365 platform, and the game-changing potential of generative AI.
In today’s episode of the #shifthappens podcast, AvePoint Chief Brand Officer, Dux Raymond Sy, and AvePoint Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, Mario Carvajal, are joined by Tori Liu, President & CEO of AIIM. Together, they discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shining a light on existing information management challenges, the importance of a universal framework for AI governance, and steps organizations can take to prepare their data and culture for the AI-powered workplace of the future.
In this episode, we catch up with Angela Heise, Corporate Vice President of Worldwide Public Sector at Microsoft, about how governments and public sector organizations around the world are leveraging AI to transform services, empower employees, and better engage with citizens. Angela shares insights from her travels across Asia and Australia, including common themes around using AI ethically, managing risk, adopting cloud, and the importance of change management.
Renie Cavallari, author of HEADTRASH: Dumping Toxic Habits and Clearing Emotional Clutter, joins the #shifthappens podcast to discuss how to overcome negative self-talk and limiting beliefs to unlock your full potential. She provides practical strategies to decrease emotional stress, gain clarity, and take productive action to pursue your boldest goals.
In this episode, Kyle Alspach, Senior Editor at CRN, discusses major shifts happening in cybersecurity and the potential impacts of generative AI. Hear Kyle's insights on trends like security operations, identity threats, consolidation of tools, autonomous decision-making, finding vulnerabilities, and more. Discover best practices partners can leverage as they guide customers in this fast-changing landscape.
Senior editor JP Ruth from InformationWeek joins us in our latest episode to discuss the latest cybersecurity trends, including notification requirements, supply chain vulnerabilities, social engineering threats, AI risks and benefits, edge computing developments, and evolving security best practices. We cover key takeaways for organizations to improve their security posture.
In this episode, we catch up with Gino Degregori, President & CEO of Bravo Consulting Group, and discuss leading with kindness in times of digital transformation. Learn how technology should enhance, not replace, core human skills and practices. Gino shares insights from his experience helping government agencies and enterprises adopt tools like Microsoft 365, and the importance of focusing on people first.
In this episode, we sit down with Microsoft's Jared Spataro to discuss how artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the nature of work. Jared shares his insights on implementing responsible AI, redefining roles and responsibilities, and why this moment marks an exciting new era for those of us who have been in tech for a while. Get ready for an eye-opening discussion on how AI will shape the workplace of tomorrow.
In this episode, we explore how Johnson Controls rapidly adopted Microsoft Teams and built a Digital Champions program during the pandemic, with insights from Nate Beck, Office 365 and Collaboration Enterprise Lead at Johnson Controls, about how strong executive leadership support and cross-functional partnerships were critical to their success.
In this episode, best-selling author Jacob Morgan talks about his new book Leading with Vulnerability and discusses the evolving employer-employee dynamic, the importance of a strong work ethic, and why leaders should pair vulnerability with demonstrations of competence to build trust on their teams. Jacob explains why vulnerability alone can backfire at work, and offers examples of “leading with vulnerability” in areas like owning mistakes, responding to promotion, and sharing personal challenges.
In this episode, best-selling author and Microsoft senior storyteller Miri Rodriguez discusses how brands can balance empathy and business growth amid disruption through a purpose-driven, experimental approach. She explains how new technologies like AI should empower human storytelling rather than replace it. The core takeaway is that while tools and strategies must evolve with the times, human creativity and connection remain essential to impactful brand storytelling.
In this episode, we dive into the world of digital workplace transformation with Keshav Puttaswamy, an expert from Microsoft. Discover the exciting possibilities and opportunities AI brings to the workplace, the importance of embracing technology in driving success, and practical steps organizations can take to navigate the changing landscape. Gain insights on the role of communication, collaboration, and stakeholder buy-in in achieving a successful digital transformation journey.
In this episode, Tanya Hannah, CIO of Aon North America, discusses the importance of embracing a digital-first mindset in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. Tanya delves into topics such as strategy, vision, culture, collaboration, and the role of technology in driving successful digital transformation. Gain valuable insights and practical advice on how organizations can navigate the journey towards digital excellence and stay ahead of the curve.
In this episode, Julia Glidden, Board Chair of Pivotl, discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the digital workplace. She discussed the importance of collaboration between public, private, and civil society sectors, the need for ethical considerations and regulations, and the risks and rewards of embracing AI in organizations. Ultimately, it’s all about the delicate balance between innovation and responsible implementation while emphasizing the significance of data strategy and the human touch in the age of AI.
In this episode, Stephanie Hung, CIO of Asian Development Bank, shares insights on modernizing the digital workplace. She emphasizes the importance of a human-centric approach, mindset shifts, and the pillars of communication, connection, and co-creation. Stephanie also delves into the challenges of AI and the need for regulations and coalitions. Join us to learn how to prioritize people-first digital transformation and navigate the complex digital landscape.
Modern workplace solutions, paired with the right safeguards, can help take public sector organizations’ important work to the next level. But how do you verify the safeguards are up to par? Learn how the rigorous FedRAMP certification process verifies government-focused solutions are robust, resilient, and safe to protect government data.
You don’t need cutting-edge AI to bring your processes and services into the future. Learn how Estonia, one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world, uses simple technology to digitize 99% of their government services.
When the pandemic began and the world went into lockdown, it became clear how unprepared the school system was for remote learning. With the help of collaboration tools, things have improved, but there is still room for growth. Hear strategies on how we can continue to improve remote learning to help deliver a next-level learning experience.
Looking for a roadmap to the digital workplace? Hear from leading supply-chain management organization HAVI on how to successfully implement new technology like Microsoft Teams — and easy ways to keep your digital transformation on track.
Mergers and acquisitions are booming, and most deals are now taking place online. Discover why a virtual data room (VDR) is an essential tool for collaborating on sensitive data with external parties – and how AvePoint’s new Confide solution has evolved the concept.
The pandemic has created a world with a heavier reliance on technology. Corporate digital transformation is no longer an option to thrive; it’s a necessity. Hear from Dyson’s global collaboration manager about their experience with digital transformation and how early tech adoption created a solid foundation for a tech-forward future.
For frontline workers balancing safety and busy workloads, Microsoft Teams is playing a central role with functions designed specifically for them. Learn what’s new in Teams and how the evolving platform benefits public health and pandemic response.
As hybrid work evolves, managed service providers have big opportunities ahead. Are you ready? An industry leader shares valuable ways for MSPs to nurture strong relationships and why strategic investments in current customers is key to long-term success.
More than 100 million Americans do not use the Internet at broadband speeds, according to Microsoft. Which is why the company’s Airband initiative strives to bring robust connections and training to underserved areas. Learn about the effort’s origins and tech takeaways to benefit your own organization.
Did you know more than 300 new features have been added to Microsoft Teams in the past year (yes, you read that right!) Tune in to hear about some of Dux’s favorite tools and how they can make Teams use easier and more productive.
Learn how a local government in Tasmania shed a reliance on outdated technology to obtain self-service and cloud-hosted solutions for efficiency and public safety. You’ll also get tips to change internal culture to move progressive IT projects forward.
It pays to know where your data lives. And for some industries and countries, it’s mandatory. Get the scoop on how GDPR and other regulations underscore the value of keeping your data close to home — and the related benefits that go beyond compliance.
Join us for a flavorful discussion about life, work, and family. The spouses and co-authors of Mind the Beet, a new blog, are also Microsoft veterans with a wealth of advice about using workplace technology to the fullest during a time of big change.
Do you miss scribbling on the walls? Discover how the Microsoft Whiteboard tool is bringing new value to the hybrid workplace — and best practices to enable creative collaboration with touchscreen tablets and other devices.
Discover how the legendary brewer is using Microsoft Power Platform to automate and expedite core business functions. Get tips for making your own processes more efficient, and learn effective ways to integrate Power Platform within projects of any size or industry.
Recent workplace disruptions have changed the ways we meet (hint: we’re huddling more often, and many participants are less than enthused to be there). Tune in to discover 5 tips that can elevate any meeting, whether it's virtual, in-person or hybrid.
Without guiderails to help employees work smarter and more safely, collaboration tools can become unwieldy (or worse, a liability). Learn how the kitchen and bath giant deployed a governance plan for 20,000 licensed users in Microsoft 365 — and tips for doing the same.
The idea of a hybrid office may seem simple, but finding balance takes work. Most employees want to split their time for the long term –– but is your team prepared? Get insights on collaboration needs, new technologies, and personal strategies to navigate the months ahead.
Disruption from digital giants hasn’t just sped up the pace of business; it’s made things more cutthroat than ever. What can companies to do survive and thrive at a time when upstarts and unknowns are making big moves? Consultant and author R. “Ray” Wang offers foresight and advice.
There’s a lot to unpack in this new employee experience platform. Get a breakdown of all four Microsoft Viva components designed to support a smarter workplace –– as well as Dux’s insights on how each one could benefit your users.
Find out how leading egg producer Vital Farms has shifted to a fully remote corporate workforce. Follow their flight path by surveying your staff needs, developing a plan to stay engaged from afar, and deploying collaboration tools to keep everyone on task and connected.
Keeping track of your Microsoft 365 licenses is a tricky and time-consuming task. Does your organization have a plan? Dux shares common pain points, the big value of license management, and how AvePoint’s new Cense solution can help.
Learn how a volunteer-based nonprofit uses Microsoft 365 to support and evolve its longtime mission: helping communities in need. Get strategies to tailor your digital transformation based on the job at hand — and discover why consolidating collaboration solutions makes teamwork easier.
Coming off the recent virtual conference, Dux explains what Microsoft partners should know about new solutions, educational opportunities, and discounted pricing models unveiled at the event — as well as the debut of AvePoint’s Global Partner Program.
More companies are deploying hybrid models for employees as COVID-19 cases decline. Tune in to hear about extensive Microsoft research on the issue — and get advice to successfully implement a hybrid workspace.
When two organizations merge, there’s a lot to consider — especially when it comes to technology. Get best practices from Paul Butticaz, who is helping streamline collaboration needs for employees at Truist, an American bank formed from the 2019 merger of BB&T and SunTrust.
Requesting municipal services isn’t always easy. Who do you call, and how can you make sure the job is completed? Learn how Richmond, Virginia, has automated these requests with RVA311, an online portal and a mobile app that allows residents to reach city government 24/7 with a tap or a click.
Corporate intranets haven’t always gotten their due, and employee adoption may have been low in the past. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic has made these centralized digital hubs a critical tool. Learn how an award-winning intranet project came together and get tips to create your own.
M365 solutions became pivotal during the pandemic, and they’re likely to support long-term collaboration an industry that has long relied on paper and email. Mike Ferrara, the director of legal management consulting at Kroll, offers thought leadership on the past year and what’s next.
SharePoint is turning 20! Join Microsoft’s Jeff Teper, also known as “the father of SharePoint,” to discuss key milestones of the past two decades, to learn how SharePoint has been essential for supporting remote work, and to explore what’s next for the collaborative platform.
Learn why monitoring user access and content generation in the cloud is key to stronger compliance and security. Kevin Byrne, a senior vice president at Bank of Hawaii, will share his experience with these important efforts.
Make no mistake: Your IT employees are much more than a help desk. Author and IT executive leader Chris Laping explains how a popular restaurant chain worked to leverage and nurture this valuable human asset –– and why all companies will benefit from this approach.
Discover how collaboration tools helped Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business enable successful online learning for its MBA students. Associate dean Shelly Heinrich also shares tips for taking recruitment efforts and alumni functions virtual.
Learn how Air University CIO Jeff Lush deployed Microsoft Planner to assign action-oriented tasks to his IT team. We discuss the effort’s positive impact on efficiency and teamwork.
Find out how Tanya Hannah and the 15,000 employees of King County, Washington use Microsoft Teams and other tools to support remote work, online self-service and customer safety. Tanya will also discuss how recent pandemic pivots have long-term benefits for county operations and innovation.
Abadesi started the Hustle Crew to help organizations examine and overcome their biases to become higher performing and more inclusive. We talk about where the tech industry is doing well and where it still needs some work to foster more diversity.
Jo lead a project team of 20 people to combine two M365 tenants with 2,000 users and 12 TB. Hear how they justified, executed, and measured the success of the project.
Joe Gasper and Dewayne Hyatt have driven 5,600 miles across the state of Florida to work with 15 academic departments, 90 research centers and 67 county governments on their Teams adoption. Hear their strategies for connecting with users and why their Jurassic County project was a big hit.
Hear how Helen moved from spending most of her day pointing employees to information to empowering them to access it through a SharePoint intranet portal and Yammer. She brings a unique HR perspective that will benefit anyone working on modern workplace projects.
We talk to Dan Lewis about his journey from Microsoft to the City of Seattle where he and Robb Landis accelerated their Microsoft 365 and Teams deployment across 39 departments from financial to fire and police.
After careful consideration on whether she was living her “best product market fit,” Clarice Chan transitioned from a successful career at Microsoft to working as a Presidential Innovation Fellow at the Department of Veterans Affairs where she made an incredible impact to how Veterans communicate with the department.
Eric went from a career in law enforcement to driving digital transformation at FDACS. Hear how this agency has successfully adopted Teams, how they collaborate with other agencies that have separate tenants, and how he is thinking about cloud consolidation.
Bala started on its Teams journey a month before COVID and had to accelerate adoption overnight. Learn how Matt handled the scramble, resulting Teams surge and why for him, digital transformation now is about consolidation and cleaning the environment.
"Big events cause big changes,” says Steve. Hear how Trek Bikes’s modern workplace has evolved over the last decade as a serial early adopter. Steve also dives into how the company has been successful with PowerBi and PowerPlatform.
Vanessa and a team of two are supporting 100 agencies and 36,000 users within a central Office 365 tenant. Learn how she prepped the migration, is looking to scale support and thinks about crucial concepts like guest access.
IT Director Matt Pugh talks about the “mega-church’s” journey to adopting Teams and private channels for mobilizing volunteers and coordinating the humanitarian response to COVID-19.
Hear how Dr. Kellerman created such an impressive “relentlessly collaborative” environment across Teams and Office 365 that he found himself presenting to Satya Nadella and on the keynote stage for Inspire. His experiences and lessons learned are relevant for every type of organization thinking about knowledge management.
Jakob is the lead cloud architect at H&M, and his team is helping the global retailer innovate faster with the power of the cloud. Hear how his team has helped scale 100 devops projects in 3 months at H&M and making the shift to a cloud first mindset.
Jeff was able to move his local government entity to the cloud and into Microsoft Teams right before the COVID pandemic. He talks about the challenges they are tackling around adoption, records, first-line workers and more!
Rob discusses how Deloitte manages the pace of change, creates accountability through charge-back models, and his teams’ best practices for overseeing a large, advanced deployment of Office 365.
Jamie played a key role in helping one of the largest companies in the world adopt Microsoft Teams. Hear the strategies that worked, the challenges she faced, and the insights she developed from user engagement.
Note: This was recorded prior to the COVID pandemic.
In 2015, Vincent and his team realized that terrorists and criminals had access to mobile technology and cloud tools so their police force should too. Listen to his story of how he successfully implemented Office 365 and how officers are using Yammer and Teams to actually catch criminals faster.
Christy has been leading the shift from a SharePoint 2010 based intranet to a modern portal with a .Net architecture with microservices leveraging SharePoint 2016. Hear the insights she derived from a year-long user research and prototype project as well as the innovative solutions that derived from that process that are currently driving company culture. Note: this was recorded prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ever wonder how Microsoft manages its own modern workplace?. Keshav shares insights on his “seamless teamwork” framework, the move from Skype to Teams, compliant collaboration, preparing to support 50,000 employees to work from home and more!
Links: https://www.microsoft.com/itshowcase/blog/
Christine has been on a two year O365 migration and adoption journey at the Swedish division of the 10 billion dollar company ISS Facility Services. Hear about how she has shut the door on the old ways of working while still supporting the business and tracking adoption progress.
Rick Garcia went from being a 7th grade teacher to leading one of the largest and most successful SharePoint migrations. Hear about how United Airlines has approached their SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint 2016 migration--a move that involves 45,000 SharePoint users, 10 Terabytes of data, customizations, and moving data centers to boot!
Jeremy has been leading his young government agency's Teams pilot program. Hear about what it takes to roll out Teams in the GCC in a regulated environment and how this effort has lead to a significant reduction in emails.
FedEx has undergone a major Office 365 transformation having moved more than 261,000 users to the platform. Hear how Jes helped keep the migration on track, roots out the ROT in her environment, handles licensing and supports collaboration across 220 different countries.
Becky Goodman cut her teeth on SharePoint 2010 and now she's leading the charge to promote adoption of Office 365 to more than 200,000 users. Hear how she is managing change, looking at new training paradigms and putting forth a "usability first" mindset.
Samit Saini joined the security team at Heathrow at 16 years old, straight from high school. Hear about how he discovered PowerPlatform and brought major changes to how Heathrow approaches app development leading to more than $792K in savings.