#ShiftHappens Podcast

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.