Episodes

  • Simplifying IT: How to Market Tech to Non-Techies | Ep 68
    Dec 17 2024

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    Marketing IT solutions can be tricky. Your audience isn’t always technical, but they still need to understand the value you bring. In this episode of Tech Takeaways, we’re joined by Josh, Head of Marketing at Gardner Systems, who dives into the art of marketing IT solutions effectively.

    Josh shares how to cut through jargon, build trust with audiences, and focus on the business benefits—without overwhelming your audience. Whether it’s leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT, creating engaging visuals with Canva, or delivering clear, informative content, Josh highlights the importance of being approachable, visible, and relatable.

    From blogs to podcasts to internal messaging, this episode is packed with practical tips for IT leaders who need to communicate the why behind the tech. Tune in to learn how to transform technical messaging into content that connects.

    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction and Welcome
    00:32 Meet Our Special Guest: Josh Mantle
    00:56 The Role of Marketing in Tech Organizations
    03:21 Internal Marketing Strategies
    05:00 Equipping Teams with Sales Ammo
    07:59 Simplifying Technical Jargon
    11:12 Leveraging AI in Marketing
    12:33 Essential Tools for Content Creation
    14:11 Understanding Your Audience
    15:23 The Power of Informative Content
    16:40 Building Relationships Through Visibility
    20:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    22 mins
  • Lessons from the Frontline of Microsoft Copilot Implementation | Ep 67
    Nov 5 2024

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    In this follow-up episode, host Paul Stringfellow dives deeper with Nathan Miller, Microsoft Program Manager at Bytes, to share essential insights into making Microsoft Copilot implementation successful. Building on last week's discussion, Paul and Nathan cover critical tips for those ready to adopt Copilot, including effective rollout strategies, expectation management, and the reality behind initial hype. Join us for practical advice, from balancing pilot teams across departments to ongoing engagement tactics, that can elevate Copilot deployment in any organization. Don't miss this valuable episode on maximising the power of Microsoft’s Copilot.

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    18 mins
  • Microsoft Copilot: Real-World Wins | Ep 66
    Oct 29 2024

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    In this episode of Tech Takeaways, Paul Stringfellow sits down with Nathan Miller, Microsoft Program Manager at Bytes, for an in-depth look at the real-world impact of Microsoft Copilot. As businesses explore the potential of generative AI, Nathan shares insights from hands-on experience with Microsoft 365 Copilot, specifically how it’s transforming productivity within Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. From practical implementations to the wins companies are achieving with Copilot’s AI-powered features, Paul and Nathan discuss how organizations can best use these tools and even delve into the emerging best practices for integrating AI across teams. Don’t miss this insightful episode ahead of the Microsoft Copilot Summit!

    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
    00:32 Overview of Microsoft Copilot
    01:45 Nathan's Role and Experience
    02:24 Understanding Microsoft Copilot
    03:43 Success Stories with Microsoft Teams
    06:15 The Future of AI in the Workplace
    09:18 Competitor Influence on Co-Pilot Adoption
    11:12 Generational Differences in Co-Pilot Usage
    11:55 Content Creators and Developers: Key Users of Co-Pilot
    13:38 Maximizing Co-Pilot's Potential Across Departments
    14:36 Tech Takeaways: Practical Tips for Co-Pilot Implementation
    16:35 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

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    17 mins
  • Cloud Storage Unpacked: Beyond SharePoint and OneDrive | Ep 64
    Sep 17 2024

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    In this week’s episode of Tech Takeaways, hosts Jason and Paul dive deep into the world of cloud storage, breaking down everything you need to know about this essential technology. While many are familiar with popular services like SharePoint and OneDrive, this episode explores how cloud storage goes far beyond just file sharing.

    Jason and Paul discuss object storage, the backbone of most cloud storage solutions, and why it’s critical for handling large-scale data across geographies. They cover various use cases, from offsite backups and archiving to high-performance cloud storage for demanding applications. Plus, they explore innovative ways companies are leveraging cloud storage for AI-powered video analysis and global data management.

    Whether you’re managing vast amounts of data, seeking cost-effective storage solutions, or looking to modernize your infrastructure, this episode offers valuable insights on selecting the right cloud storage for your specific needs. Discover how businesses are using cloud storage to cut costs, improve performance, and stay ahead of the curve in this fast-evolving digital landscape.

    Tune in now to learn how cloud storage can transform your approach to data management and take your tech strategy to the next level!


    Chapters:
    00:00 Welcome to Tech Takeaways
    00:21 Understanding Cloud Storage
    01:01 Different Types of Cloud Storage
    03:09 Object Storage Explained
    06:06 Use Cases for Cloud Storage
    13:37 Innovative Applications of Cloud Storage
    16:31 Closing Remarks

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    17 mins
  • The Insider Threat: Managing Cyber Risk from Within | Ep 63
    Sep 11 2024

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    In this episode of Tech Takeaways, hosts Jason and Paul delve into the often-overlooked dangers that come from within your organisation—insider risk. From accidental data leaks to over-permissioned employees and intentional data theft, insider threats can pose significant risks to your business.

    Join us as we break down:

    - The difference between malicious and accidental insider risks
    - How over-permissioned employees can unintentionally create vulnerabilities
    - The crucial role of monitoring starters and leavers
    - Real-world examples of insider incidents and how to prevent them
    - Tools and strategies to build a comprehensive insider risk management plan

    Whether you're in IT, cybersecurity, or simply concerned about safeguarding your company’s data, this episode will help you understand the importance of addressing insider risks before they become major incidents.

    00:00 Welcome to Tech Takeaways
    00:22 Weekly Catch-Up
    00:51 Introduction to Insider Risk Management
    01:27 Understanding Insider Risk
    03:27 Accidental vs. Malicious Insider Risk
    05:30 Context and Correlation in Risk Management
    06:46 Starters and Leavers: A Closer Look
    07:55 Strategies for Managing Insider Risk
    12:41 Tools and Technologies for Risk Management
    14:55 Conclusion

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    15 mins
  • The Evolution of Penetration Testing | Ep 62
    Sep 4 2024

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    Join hosts Paul and Jason in this week's episode of Tech Takeaways as they tackle a critical topic in cybersecurity: the difference between penetration testing and automated continuous penetration testing.

    In a world where cyber threats are evolving rapidly, understanding these two approaches is essential for any organisation serious about securing its networks and data. Discover the benefits of continuous assessment over traditional methods, and gain insights into why a combination of both may be the optimal strategy.

    Whether you're a cybersecurity professional, IT leader, or simply curious about the latest in tech security, this episode provides valuable perspectives and actionable advice to help you stay ahead of the curve.

    Listen now and enhance your cybersecurity strategy with Tech Takeaways!

    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction
    00:44 Pen Testing
    02:37 Continuous Pen Testing Explained
    07:20 Human vs Automated Pen Testing
    10:32 Practical Tips and Customer Insights
    15:18 Conclusion

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    16 mins
  • The Critical Need for Endpoint Backups in Today's World | Ep 61
    Aug 27 2024

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    Ever wondered what happens when your device crashes and you lose all your Personalised settings and shortcuts? Join us for an essential conversation where we unpack the critical importance of endpoint backups, even in our cloud-dependent era. We spotlight how endpoint backups can drastically cut down recovery time during hardware failures or ransomware attacks, compared to just re-imaging devices.

    Drawing insights from incidents like the CrowdStrike event, we highlight the real-world implications and benefits of having robust endpoint backup systems in place. You'll learn about different backup options, from cloud storage solutions to automated, centrally managed systems, and the practicality of whether to back up all devices or just those of key personnel. We make a compelling case for a consistent backup policy across all endpoints to safeguard against lost productivity. Don’t miss this episode if you want to ensure your organization is prepared for any digital disaster.

    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction
    01:13 Endpoint Backups
    01:40 Why Bother with Endpoint Backups?
    02:50 The Importance of Customisations
    04:01 Ransomware and Recovery
    08:30 Endpoint Backup Solutions
    10:23 Enterprise Endpoint Backup Strategies
    12:05 Conclusion and Takeaways
    13:32 Closing Remarks

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    14 mins
  • Turbulence in Tech: Airport Incident Response | Ep 60
    Aug 13 2024

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    In this week's episode of Tech Takeaways, we continue our deep dive into the fascinating and high-stakes world of airport IT management with part two of our insightful conversation with John Fazakerley, the Head of IT at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. This episode picks up where we left off, delving further into the complexities of managing critical infrastructure in an environment where every second counts.

    John Fazakerley takes us behind the scenes of the recent CrowdStrike incident, a significant event that temporarily disrupted IT systems at the airport, putting their operational resilience to the test. As John unpacks the incident, he shares not only the technical challenges they faced but also the strategic decisions that shaped their response. From the initial detection of the breach to the coordinated efforts to restore systems, John provides a rare inside look at how a major airport navigates such crises.

    One of the key themes of this episode is the importance of maintaining composure and perspective in the face of unexpected challenges. John emphasizes the value of pausing to assess the situation thoroughly before rushing into solutions—a crucial lesson for anyone involved in IT or crisis management. He also reflects on the broader implications of such incidents, offering valuable takeaways on risk management, communication, and the continuous improvement of security protocols.

    Whether you're an IT professional, a tech enthusiast, or simply interested in the intricate workings of modern airports, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice. If you missed part one, make sure to listen to it first to get the full context of our discussion. Then, join us as we explore how to keep the cogs turning smoothly even when the technology that underpins everything comes to a grinding halt.

    Tune in to Tech Takeaways for this captivating discussion that highlights the real-world challenges of IT management and the lessons learned from navigating a crisis when the stakes couldn't be higher.

    Chapters:
    00:00 Welcome to Tech Takeaways
    00:19 Introduction of Guests and Recap
    00:59 Incident Response Overview
    01:57 CrowdStrike Incident Experience
    03:44 Initial Discovery and Response
    10:51 Hands-On Remediation
    17:36 Learning from Incidents
    19:26 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
    20:21 Closing Remarks

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    21 mins