Podcasts about lumen technologies

The Weekly Option trading podcast Episode 428 May 22, 2026 Welcome to The Weekly Option, a weekly program that offers practical trades and discussion for beginners and professionals alike. The topic of the week is using technical analysis. In this week's show, we will cover the trades from last week on Richtech Robotics, SELLAS Life Sciences Group, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Lumen Technologies. And we discuss four new trades on T1 Energy, Virgin Galactic Holdings, Ford Motor Company, and Marathon Digital Holdings. The equity markets finished the week higher, with both indexes closing at new weekly highs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 1,053 points higher, closing at 50,579 points. The S&P 500 Index grew nearly 65 points, ending the week at 7,473 points. It's always great to hear from listeners. If you have any questions about the trades presented here or about your own positions, feel free to email me. Email questions to me: eric@theweeklyoption.com Visit our YouTube Channel for The Weekly Option.com. PODCAST LINKS FOR EPISODE POST Listen on iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-weekly-option/id1375267155 Listen on YouTube Music:  https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCTo2yTkZPhqvlE8PdZkyTZA Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6HoYh2XxVCWaidJP4dJiSD Listen on Audible by Amazon: https://www.audible.com/podcast/The-Weekly-Option/B08K57QL6S?language=en_US Listen on PodBean: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/r5aam-6a884/The-Weekly-Option-Podcast YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/u7JKJd Option Trading Basics: My Favorite Strategies: https://youtu.be/8UmPK5tuez0 How to Trade Stock Using Technical Analysis: https://youtu.be/wAATt0RpE0w Technical Analysis Videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnpPLl3EB_RBC5kyrCnsHow TradingView Stock Charts For Analysis: https://www.tradingview.com/gopro/?share_your_love=TraderEric

The Weekly Option trading podcast Episode 427 May 16, 2026 Welcome to The Weekly Option, a weekly program that offers practical trades and discussion for beginners and professionals alike. The topic of the week is feeling like a genius. In this week's show, we will cover the trades from last week on Keel Infrastructure Corp, Rackspace Technology, Sunrun Inc, and Redwire Corp. And we discuss four new trades on Richtech Robotics, SELLAS Life Sciences Group, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Lumen Technologies. The equity markets finished the weekly nearly unchanged. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 83 points, closing at 49,526 points on Friday. The S&P 500 Index grew 9 points, ending the week at 7,408 points. It's always great to hear from listeners. If you have any questions about the trades presented here or about your own positions, feel free to email me. Email questions to me: eric@theweeklyoption.com Visit our YouTube Channel for The Weekly Option.com. PODCAST LINKS FOR EPISODE POST Listen on iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-weekly-option/id1375267155 Listen on YouTube Music:  https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCTo2yTkZPhqvlE8PdZkyTZA Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6HoYh2XxVCWaidJP4dJiSD Listen on Audible by Amazon: https://www.audible.com/podcast/The-Weekly-Option/B08K57QL6S?language=en_US Listen on PodBean: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/r5aam-6a884/The-Weekly-Option-Podcast YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/u7JKJd Option Trading Basics: My Favorite Strategies: https://youtu.be/8UmPK5tuez0 How to Trade Stock Using Technical Analysis: https://youtu.be/wAATt0RpE0w Technical Analysis Videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnpPLl3EB_RBC5kyrCnsHow TradingView Stock Charts For Analysis: https://www.tradingview.com/gopro/?share_your_love=TraderEric

US equity futures are pointing to a higher open today. European equity markets have opened higher, and Asian equity markets ended higher across the region. Focus is on Trump's pause of Project Freedom amid progress towards a comprehensive agreement with Iran. This is weighing on crude after futures spiked on Monday. The offensive phase of the war is believed to be over with focus now on reopening the Strait. But the status quo remains intact for now.Companies mentioned: Lumen Technologies, Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Alibaba Group

This week on the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast, host⁠ ⁠⁠Sherrod DeGrippo speaks with Danny Adamitis, Distinguished Engineer at Lumen Technologies' Black Lotus Labs who break down how the Russian state-linked threat actor Forest Blizzard is exploiting home and small office routers to hijack DNS traffic, enabling large-scale surveillance and targeted credential theft. The conversation highlights how this low-cost approach scales globally, why unmanaged routers have become a critical weak point, and how tactics, from brute force to token theft to DNS hijacking continue to evolve.  In this episode you'll learn:       How Forest Blizzard exploits home routers to intercept DNS traffic  Why unmanaged routers are a major blind spot in modern security  How tactics have evolved from brute force to token-based access  Some questions we ask:      What defines Forest Blizzard and how they operate?  How does this impact machine-to-machine or service account security?  What are the broader third-party or downstream risks?  Resources:   View Danny Adamitis on LinkedIn   View Sherrod DeGrippo on LinkedIn   Justice Department Conducts Court-Authorized Disruption of DNS Hijacking Network Controlled by a Russian Military Intelligence Unit  FrostArmada: All thriller, no (malware) filler    Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts     Get the latest threat intelligence insights and guidance at Microsoft Security Insider    The Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast is produced by Microsoft, Hangar Studios and distributed as part of N2K media network. 

Cyber threats are not just getting more sophisticated, they’re getting harder to detect. As businesses grow more complex, attackers are finding ways to hide within normal internet activity, often long before any alarm is triggered. What does this mean for organisations in Asia Pacific, and are companies focusing on the right areas? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Wai Kit Cheah, APAC CISO & Connected Ecosystem Leader, Lumen Technologies, a global network operator with visibility into internet traffic at scale, about how the threat landscape is shifting and why traditional approaches to cybersecurity may no longer be enough. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The FDA's approval of a higher-dose Wegovy marks Novo Nordisk's aggressive push to reclaim market share in the exploding weight loss drug sector. Pharmaceutical investors are watching closely as competition intensifies in what could become a trillion-dollar market.Today's Stocks & Topics: Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B), Market Wrap, Snap Inc. (SNAP), Caterpillar Inc. (CAT), Weight Loss Drug Stocks: Biotech Breakthrough or Market Bubble?, CDW Corporation (CDW), Petrochemical Companies, Lumen Technologies, Inc. (LUMN), Mortgage Rates, Mueller Industries, Inc. (MLI), Fertilizer Market.Introducing our Third Annual InvestTalk Market Madness! Join the mayhem before May 18th at 11:59 pm PST for the chance to win $1,500! Fill out your bracket below: https://kppfinancial.com/investtalk-madnessOur Sponsors:* Check out Anthropic: https://claude.ai/invest* Check out Pebl: https://hipebl.ai* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/INVESTAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

The warning signs were there, but the fall was still dramatic. A telecom powerhouse that once traded at $50 had slipped to nearly a dollar, burdened by debt, declining revenue, and a legacy architecture that couldn't keep pace with the data-driven world emerging around it. Internally, the mission narrowed to survival — renew contracts, slow the erosion, hold the line. But survival mode doesn't win in an AI-accelerated market.So Lumen hit reset. It shed non-core assets, restructured its balance sheet, and made the hard pivot from preserving the old to building for what's next.On this episode of The Reboot Chronicles, Kate Johnson, CEO of Lumen Technologies, joins us to break down how she's leading one of the boldest reinventions in modern infrastructure. We explore the cultural reboot she prioritized on day one, the shift from telecom to platform, and how Lumen is rebuilding itself to power the AI economy for the long haul.

When the Mic Turns Around What happens when interviewer becomes interviewee?   In this special role-reversal episode of The Main Thing, longtime friend Chip VanAlsburg steps in as host to turn the microphone on Skip Lineberg. Together, they explore the origin story behind the podcast, the deeper spiritual motivation driving it, and what it really takes to distill knowledge into wisdom that helps people get better at life. Pulling Back the Curtain on The Main Thing From childhood conversations with elders to the "Holy Spirit moment" that birthed the show. And from the unseen, labor-intensive work behind each 25-minute episode… Skip pulls back the curtain, as Chip presents his own brand of insightful, soul-piercing questions. On Light, Leadership, and the Long Game The duo also dives into: Why growth isn't for everyone (and why that's okay) What it means to live effulgently—radiating light and love Reframing "empty nest" into "spacious nest" The butterfly effect of sharing wisdom And how knowledge becomes wisdom only when it's lived and shared Last but not least, Chip shares his own emerging vision—an honest, heartfelt look at trauma, healing, storytelling, and what he calls "big medicine." If you've ever wondered why this podcast exists—or what wisdom is really for—this conversation will meet you right where you are. Press play. Reflect deeply. Share generously. A Bit More About Our Wise Guest-Host Chip VanAlsburg is a big thinker with a restless mind and a wide-open heart. He challenges assumptions, pushes boundaries, and rarely accepts "no" as the final answer—especially when curiosity or conviction is involved. Bold and unafraid, Chip has spent more than two decades leading in the media, technology, and telecommunications worlds, holding roles such as General Manager, Vice President, and most recently Director at Lumen Technologies in Pittsburgh. But titles only tell part of the story. Chip is a glutton for experiences, with a voracious appetite for life and learning. He's an avid user of emojis, deeply fond of laughter, and unashamed of tears when the moment calls for them. His ego is squarely in check, even as his irises stay cranked wide open in a lifelong quest for peace, perspective, and enlightenment. What makes Chip compelling isn't just what he's accomplished—it's how he shows up: courageous, curious, emotionally honest, and fully engaged with the world around him. He brings that same energy and depth to conversation, making him the kind of guest who doesn't just share insights—he invites reflection. Now, buckle up and get ready to join the duo in exploring the concept of living a good life by pursuing purpose with humility, resilience and faith. This episode was recorded in-person, face-to-face inside Parkwood Studios in Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Resources Podcast Website Sign Up for the Newsletter Learn About the Wisdom Cards Credits Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell Marketing, Social Media and Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg Stay Connected with Us on Social YouTube @themainthingpod Instagram @themainthingpod Facebook  @TheMainThingPod LinkedIn Help Support and Sustain This Podcast Become a subscriber. Share the podcast with one or two friends. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store. Buy a book from our curated wisdom collection on bookshop.org. Become a patron and support us on Patreon with funding. Episode Chapters [0:00:00] — Intro [0:01:01] — Chip Takes the Mic [0:02:39] — Skip's Wisdom Origin Story [0:06:25] — Faith & Ministry Behind the Podcast [0:08:54] — Product Extensions - Newsletter & Wisdom Cards [0:11:03] — Effulgent: Light & Love [0:14:58] — Spacious Nesters Reframed [0:16:11] — Behind the Scenes of Podcasting [0:17:40] — Chip Shares His Vision and Big News ###

Send a textWelcome back to Making Data Simple, where we explore how data-driven strategies ignite innovation and transform businesses. In this exciting episode, we sit down with Marco Rota, VP of Strategic Technology Alliances at Lumen Technologies, whose incredible journey spans from the glitz of Hollywood to leading-edge telecommunications. Tune in as Marco reveals how embracing a vibrant culture, drawing on lessons from the entertainment industry, and championing new technologies can propel teams and organizations to new heights of success. Get ready for an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at how “culture eats strategy for breakfast”—and why that's a game-changer for your organization, too!01:47 – Meet Marco RotaMarco shares his background and how his career path took him from the dynamic world of Hollywood to a leadership role at Lumen Technologies. He underscores his passion for storytelling, collaboration, and innovation—elements that continue to shape his work in tech.03:35 – Learnings from HollywoodDrawing on Hollywood's fast-paced environment, Marco highlights the importance of creative thinking and adaptability. He explains how these traits help push organizations to stay ahead of disruption and continually evolve, just like the film industry does to meet audience demands.10:56 – Transitioning to Lumen TechnologiesMarco describes his shift from entertainment into the telecommunications and technology space. He emphasizes the parallels between Hollywood and tech—both thrive on communication, audience engagement, and cutting-edge production processes.15:55 – What IS Lumen TechnologiesMarco explains Lumen's core mission: powering next-generation connectivity, cloud, edge computing, and security solutions. By marrying technology services with an innovative culture, Lumen seeks to help organizations accelerate data-driven transformation.18:29 – Culture versus TechnologyAn organization's culture can be its greatest asset—or its biggest hurdle. Culture “eats strategy for breakfast” because fostering collaboration, trust, and continuous learning is what truly drives successful technology initiatives forward.24:20 – The Management SystemMarco talks about the framework for leadership and team alignment at Lumen, which integrates vision, purpose, and measurable goals. This system ensures that cultural values and strategic objectives reinforce each other—resulting in cohesive, energized teams ready to tackle the biggest challenges in tech.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/marcorotapixWebsite: https://www.lumen.com/en-us/home.htmlWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. #MakingDataSimple #CultureEatsStrategy #DataInnovation #DigitalTransformation #TechLeadership #PodcastEpisode #HollywoodToTech #LumenTechnologies #BusinessInsights #InspirationWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send a textWelcome back to Making Data Simple, where we explore how data-driven strategies ignite innovation and transform businesses. In this exciting episode, we sit down with Marco Rota, VP of Strategic Technology Alliances at Lumen Technologies, whose incredible journey spans from the glitz of Hollywood to leading-edge telecommunications. Tune in as Marco reveals how embracing a vibrant culture, drawing on lessons from the entertainment industry, and championing new technologies can propel teams and organizations to new heights of success. Get ready for an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at how “culture eats strategy for breakfast”—and why that's a game-changer for your organization, too!01:47 – Meet Marco RotaMarco shares his background and how his career path took him from the dynamic world of Hollywood to a leadership role at Lumen Technologies. He underscores his passion for storytelling, collaboration, and innovation—elements that continue to shape his work in tech.03:35 – Learnings from HollywoodDrawing on Hollywood's fast-paced environment, Marco highlights the importance of creative thinking and adaptability. He explains how these traits help push organizations to stay ahead of disruption and continually evolve, just like the film industry does to meet audience demands.10:56 – Transitioning to Lumen TechnologiesMarco describes his shift from entertainment into the telecommunications and technology space. He emphasizes the parallels between Hollywood and tech—both thrive on communication, audience engagement, and cutting-edge production processes.15:55 – What IS Lumen TechnologiesMarco explains Lumen's core mission: powering next-generation connectivity, cloud, edge computing, and security solutions. By marrying technology services with an innovative culture, Lumen seeks to help organizations accelerate data-driven transformation.18:29 – Culture versus TechnologyAn organization's culture can be its greatest asset—or its biggest hurdle. Culture “eats strategy for breakfast” because fostering collaboration, trust, and continuous learning is what truly drives successful technology initiatives forward.24:20 – The Management SystemMarco talks about the framework for leadership and team alignment at Lumen, which integrates vision, purpose, and measurable goals. This system ensures that cultural values and strategic objectives reinforce each other—resulting in cohesive, energized teams ready to tackle the biggest challenges in tech.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/marcorotapixWebsite: https://www.lumen.com/en-us/home.htmlWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. #MakingDataSimple #CultureEatsStrategy #DataInnovation #DigitalTransformation #TechLeadership #PodcastEpisode #HollywoodToTech #LumenTechnologies #BusinessInsights #InspirationWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a textToday, we're joined by a trio of CU Boulder student journalists who dug up a story in Gold Hill, where failing backup batteries cut emergency services for residents during power outages.The systems, supplied by Lumen Technologies, are supposed to keep land lines operational when the power's out. But some of those batteries are over 20 years old and failing, turning power outages into potentially life-threatening situations.Sydney Schrader, Corey Neumeier and Sophia Collins tell us what's going on in Gold Hill, and mountain towns across the county, and what the residents are doing about it.Their story was originally published by the Colorado Sun. Read it here.AlsoStructure fire in AllensparkNederland ice rink still not frozenGolden Gate Canyon OKs Community Wildfire Protection Plan. View it here. Support the showThank you for listening to The Mountain-Ear Podcast, featuring news and culture from peak to peak! Additional pages are linked below.If you want to be involved in the podcast or paper, contact: Barbara Hardt, our editor-in-chef, at info@themountainear.com Tyler Hickman, podcast host, at tyler@themountainear.com Jamie Lammers, podcast host, at media@themountainear.com General inquiries: frontdesk@themountainear.com Head to our website for all of the latest news. Subscribe online and use the coupon code PODCAST for a 10% discount for all new subscribers. Submit local events to promote them in the paper and on our website. Find us on Facebook @mtnear and Instagram @mtn.ear Listen and watch on YouTube today. Share this podcast by scrolling to the bottom of our website home page or by heading to our main hub on Buzzsprout.Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we sit down with Scott Eaton, Senior Director of Partner Management at Lumen Technologies, for an insightful conversation about the evolving definition and strategic role of trusted advisors in the modern channel. With decades of experience on both the vendor and partner sides of the business, Scott offers a grounded perspective on how channel professionals can navigate shifting partner models, deliver real customer value, and optimize indirect revenue strategies.Together, we explore why the role of the trusted advisor is more critical than ever, especially in complex B2B environments where customers are overwhelmed by choice and under-resourced in technical expertise. Scott also sheds light on where AI is providing the most meaningful gains today from partner enablement to customer retention and offers a sharp take on the future of partner marketing, performance measurement, and the blurred lines between MSPs, VARs, and resellers.If you're a channel leader, partner marketer, or enablement pro striving to stay ahead of rapidly changing partner models and customer expectations, this episode delivers clarity, strategy, and actionable insights you can use today._________________________Learn more about Channext

We've got practical advice on how much to save for unexpected life events, where to keep the money, and why it matters far beyond simple budgeting. Today's Stocks & Topics: Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA), Market Wrap, DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc. (DKS), SSR Mining Inc. (SSRM), Emergency Savings: More Than Just a Cushion, Relative Strength, Lumen Technologies, Inc. (LUMN), Best Market Performance, Bitcoin, PureCycle Technologies, Inc. (PCT), Sentiment.Our Sponsors:* Check out Gusto: https://gusto.com/investtalk* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code INVEST for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Tensormesh uses an expanded form of KV Caching to make inference loads as much as ten times more efficient. Plus, Palantir said on Thursday it had struck a partnership with Lumen Technologies that will see the telecommunications company using the data management company's AI software to build capabilities to support enterprise AI services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emotional, impulsive reactions can sabotage long-term returns, we will explain the disciplined strategies you will need to adapt and navigate today's volatile markets. Today's Stocks & Topics: Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (CALM), Market Wrap, Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. (IDR), 3 Costly Mistakes Novice Investors Need to Avoid Right Now, Prysmian S.p.A. (PRYMF), Lumen Technologies, Inc., Tariffs, KBR, Inc. (KBR), Pre-Tax Allocation vs. Roth I-R-A, The Procter & Gamble Company (PG), Young People Are Not Buying Homes.Our Sponsors:* Check out Anthropic: https://claude.ai/INVEST* Check out Gusto: https://gusto.com/investtalk* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code INVEST for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Nigel Thurlow previously served as the first-ever Chief of Agile at Toyota, where he created the World Agility Forum award-winning “Scrum the Toyota Way” and co-created The Flow System™, a holistic FLOW-based approach to delivering customer-first value built on a foundation of The Toyota Production System.Throughout his career, Thurlow has gained an enviable recognition as a leading expert in Lean and Agile methods, tools, techniques, and approaches. He specializes in developing effective organizational designs and operating models for organizations to embrace both Lean and Agile concepts. By leveraging knowledge from various sources, Thurlow helps optimize organizations to enact successful, long-lasting transformational strategies in applying Lean thinking, Agile techniques, and Scrum – while combining complexity thinking, distributive leadership, and team science, represented by a triple helix structure known as the DNA of Organizations™.As of 2024, he has trained over 8,500 people worldwide in Scrum, Agile, Lean, Flow, Complexity, and organizational design. Thurlow is a Professional Scrum Trainer (PST).An instinctive problem solver, Nigel Thurlow takes a method-agnostic, cross-industry approach in helping organizations find the right tools, methods, and approaches to overcome challenges within their contextual situation. He advocates for the fact that there is not a one-size-fits-all prescriptive approach to agility; all tools have utility, but they also have contextual limitations. From this vantage point, Thurlow equips an organization's people to become an army of problem solvers, expanding their perception of what they do so they can better understand and prepare for potential challenges along the way.Thurlow is currently the Chief Executive Officer at The Flow Consortium, a collection of highly regarded companies in the Lean and Agile world — as well as the scientific and academic communities at large. The Flow Consortium strives to expand the boundaries of current Lean and Agile thinking through the understanding of complexity thinking, distributed leadership, and team science by tapping into the minds of top thought leaders from these concentrations.While at Toyota, Thurlow worked to frame Scrum as more than just a standardized behavioral process by applying and advancing fundamental methodologies to spur innovative, forward-thinking solutions to Toyota's most complex challenges. He also founded the Toyota Agile Academy in 2018. These efforts signaled a transformative phase for Toyota, leading the company towards organizational agility and helping its team members better understand this concept in an automotive production context.Additionally, Thurlow has been a board presence at the University of North Texas since 2019, serving as an advisor to the Department of Information Science Board and a member of the College of Information Leadership Board. He has also served as the President of CDQ LLC since 2012. Prior to that, Thurlow held executive coaching and training roles for companies including Vodafone, Lumen Technologies, Scrum, Inc., GE Power & Water, 3M Healthcare Information Systems, Bose Corporation, The TJX Companies, Inc. – as well as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He has also taught Scrum at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).As an author, Thurlow was named a Forbes top 10 author for co-authoring the book “The Flow System™” in 2020. He has recently co-authored “The Flow System Playbook” published in 2023 which presents a practical study guide and reference book to all the concepts covered in the first book.His other notable publications include “Introducing the Flow System (2019)” and “TPS and the Age of Destruction (2019).” He is also the co-author of The Flow Guide and The Flow System Principles and Key Attributes Guidebook. Recently, Thurlow co-authored “The...

Nigel Thurlow previously served as the first-ever Chief of Agile at Toyota, where he created the World Agility Forum award-winning “Scrum the Toyota Way” and co-created The Flow System™, a holistic FLOW-based approach to delivering customer-first value built on a foundation of The Toyota Production System.Throughout his career, Thurlow has gained an enviable recognition as a leading expert in Lean and Agile methods, tools, techniques, and approaches. He specializes in developing effective organizational designs and operating models for organizations to embrace both Lean and Agile concepts. By leveraging knowledge from various sources, Thurlow helps optimize organizations to enact successful, long-lasting transformational strategies in applying Lean thinking, Agile techniques, and Scrum – while combining complexity thinking, distributive leadership, and team science, represented by a triple helix structure known as the DNA of Organizations™.As of 2024, he has trained over 8,500 people worldwide in Scrum, Agile, Lean, Flow, Complexity, and organizational design. Thurlow is a Professional Scrum Trainer (PST).An instinctive problem solver, Nigel Thurlow takes a method-agnostic, cross-industry approach in helping organizations find the right tools, methods, and approaches to overcome challenges within their contextual situation. He advocates for the fact that there is not a one-size-fits-all prescriptive approach to agility; all tools have utility, but they also have contextual limitations. From this vantage point, Thurlow equips an organization's people to become an army of problem solvers, expanding their perception of what they do so they can better understand and prepare for potential challenges along the way.Thurlow is currently the Chief Executive Officer at The Flow Consortium, a collection of highly regarded companies in the Lean and Agile world — as well as the scientific and academic communities at large. The Flow Consortium strives to expand the boundaries of current Lean and Agile thinking through the understanding of complexity thinking, distributed leadership, and team science by tapping into the minds of top thought leaders from these concentrations.While at Toyota, Thurlow worked to frame Scrum as more than just a standardized behavioral process by applying and advancing fundamental methodologies to spur innovative, forward-thinking solutions to Toyota's most complex challenges. He also founded the Toyota Agile Academy in 2018. These efforts signaled a transformative phase for Toyota, leading the company towards organizational agility and helping its team members better understand this concept in an automotive production context.Additionally, Thurlow has been a board presence at the University of North Texas since 2019, serving as an advisor to the Department of Information Science Board and a member of the College of Information Leadership Board. He has also served as the President of CDQ LLC since 2012. Prior to that, Thurlow held executive coaching and training roles for companies including Vodafone, Lumen Technologies, Scrum, Inc., GE Power & Water, 3M Healthcare Information Systems, Bose Corporation, The TJX Companies, Inc. – as well as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He has also taught Scrum at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).As an author, Thurlow was named a Forbes top 10 author for co-authoring the book “The Flow System™” in 2020. He has recently co-authored “The Flow System Playbook” published in 2023 which presents a practical study guide and reference book to all the concepts covered in the first book.His other notable publications include “Introducing the Flow System (2019)” and “TPS and the Age of Destruction (2019).” He is also the co-author of The Flow Guide and The Flow System Principles and Key Attributes Guidebook. Recently, Thurlow co-authored “The...

Nigel Thurlow previously served as the first-ever Chief of Agile at Toyota, where he created the World Agility Forum award-winning “Scrum the Toyota Way” and co-created The Flow System™, a holistic FLOW-based approach to delivering customer-first value built on a foundation of The Toyota Production System.Throughout his career, Thurlow has gained an enviable recognition as a leading expert in Lean and Agile methods, tools, techniques, and approaches. He specializes in developing effective organizational designs and operating models for organizations to embrace both Lean and Agile concepts. By leveraging knowledge from various sources, Thurlow helps optimize organizations to enact successful, long-lasting transformational strategies in applying Lean thinking, Agile techniques, and Scrum – while combining complexity thinking, distributive leadership, and team science, represented by a triple helix structure known as the DNA of Organizations™.As of 2024, he has trained over 8,500 people worldwide in Scrum, Agile, Lean, Flow, Complexity, and organizational design. Thurlow is a Professional Scrum Trainer (PST).An instinctive problem solver, Nigel Thurlow takes a method-agnostic, cross-industry approach in helping organizations find the right tools, methods, and approaches to overcome challenges within their contextual situation. He advocates for the fact that there is not a one-size-fits-all prescriptive approach to agility; all tools have utility, but they also have contextual limitations. From this vantage point, Thurlow equips an organization's people to become an army of problem solvers, expanding their perception of what they do so they can better understand and prepare for potential challenges along the way.Thurlow is currently the Chief Executive Officer at The Flow Consortium, a collection of highly regarded companies in the Lean and Agile world — as well as the scientific and academic communities at large. The Flow Consortium strives to expand the boundaries of current Lean and Agile thinking through the understanding of complexity thinking, distributed leadership, and team science by tapping into the minds of top thought leaders from these concentrations.While at Toyota, Thurlow worked to frame Scrum as more than just a standardized behavioral process by applying and advancing fundamental methodologies to spur innovative, forward-thinking solutions to Toyota's most complex challenges. He also founded the Toyota Agile Academy in 2018. These efforts signaled a transformative phase for Toyota, leading the company towards organizational agility and helping its team members better understand this concept in an automotive production context.Additionally, Thurlow has been a board presence at the University of North Texas since 2019, serving as an advisor to the Department of Information Science Board and a member of the College of Information Leadership Board. He has also served as the President of CDQ LLC since 2012. Prior to that, Thurlow held executive coaching and training roles for companies including Vodafone, Lumen Technologies, Scrum, Inc., GE Power & Water, 3M Healthcare Information Systems, Bose Corporation, The TJX Companies, Inc. – as well as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He has also taught Scrum at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).As an author, Thurlow was named a Forbes top 10 author for co-authoring the book “The Flow System™” in 2020. He has recently co-authored “The Flow System Playbook” published in 2023 which presents a practical study guide and reference book to all the concepts covered in the first book.His other notable publications include “Introducing the Flow System (2019)” and “TPS and the Age of Destruction (2019).” He is also the co-author of The Flow Guide and The Flow System Principles and Key Attributes Guidebook. Recently, Thurlow co-authored “The Substrate Independence Theory,” a peer-reviewed scientific article

In a rapidly transforming telecom landscape, what does it take to stay ahead of the curve? In this episode, Jon Luciano, Director of Ecommerce at Lumen Technologies, delves into the evolving world of telecommunications ecommerce. The conversation highlights the shift from limited provider options to a competitive market driven by regulatory changes and advancements in fiber technology. Jon explores how data-driven strategies are essential in enhancing customer experiences and personalizing services. The episode discusses the role of AI and conversational agents in revolutionizing customer service and acquisition strategies, emphasizing the importance of using data to inform decisions and improve the overall consumer experience in the telecom industry. Show Highlights: The shift to subscription-based billing models and enhancing customer experiences in a regulated industry Importance of data-driven strategies to personalize consumer interactions Role of artificial intelligence in refining customer experiences and driving decision-making processes at Lumen Technologies Conversational commerce and the use of AI and conversational agents to facilitate personalized interactions The necessity-driven customer acquisition strategies unique to telecom compared to traditional retail ecommerce Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: Jon Luciano: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonluciano/ | Lumen Technologies - https://www.lumen.com/en-us/home.html  Learn more about Agentforce for Commerce: https://www.salesforce.com/commerce/ai/   Join the Commerce Cloud Community Unofficial Slack: https://sforce.co/commercecrew  *** Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.

Have you been hearing the term Managed Optical Fiber Networks (MOFN) more and more lately? In this episode, Lumen Technologies' Alison Greenwood, Vice President of Hyperscalers, and Martin Reilly, Director of International MOFN at Ciena, join Kent Jordan of Ciena Product Marketing for an in-depth discussion about all things MOFN. You'll learn about MOFN's benefits, business models, and emerging trends, and hear about Lumen's experiences, successes, and lessons learned.

Story of the Week (DR):Right wing faux populism:Josh Hawley blasts Allstate CEO for making $26M last year — while company can't ‘afford' to pay out claimsTrump Attacks Walmart, Tells Retailer to ‘Eat the Tariffs' Instead of Raising PricesTesla CFO earns staggering $139M compensation packageVaibhav Taneja: Approximately 80% of Mr. Taneja's equity award was granted as stock options and 20% of the award was granted as restricted stock units. Robyn Denholm member of Pay CommitteeIn 2024, Tesla experienced its first annual sales decline in nearly a decade, with a 1.1% drop in global deliveries. In April 2025, Chinese automaker BYD surpassed Tesla in European electric vehicle sales for the first time, registering 7,231 units compared to Tesla's 7,165. This shift is attributed to BYD's competitively priced and technologically advanced lineup. Tesla's sales in California, its largest American market, declined in all four quarters of 2024, with Model 3 sales plunging 36% for the year. In 2024, Tesla led all automakers in the U.S. with over 5 million vehicles recalled across 16 separate campaignsIn 2025, Tesla dropped to 95th place out of 100 in the Axios Harris Poll, down from 8th place in 2021In a hidden 10K/A from 4/30/25“Staggering” is from Fox: even more fake anti-capitalist rhetoricScared bro dictatorships: Duolingo deletes its TikTok and Instagram posts amid AI backlashCEO Luis von Ahn, posted a memo on LinkedIn last month describing plans to make the company "AI-first." He said the company would "gradually stop using contractors to do work that AI can handle" and "headcount will only be given if a team cannot automate more of their work."The backlash was harsh. Tweets, TikToks, and Reddit posts exploded in outrage. As of Tuesday, Duolingo's social accounts had been wiped — no posts, no icon. Duolingo did not respond to a request for comment.And the one statement that was released by a Duolingo spokesperson, after the account went dark, did not shade much light on the situation (pun intended): “Let's just say we're experimenting with silence. Sometimes, the best way to make noise is to disappear first.”Duolingo CEO says there may still be schools in our AI future, but mostly just for childcareBro dictatorship (76% combined voting power)Co-founder CEO Luis von Ahn (43%); co-founder CTO Severin Hacker (40%)Classified board: why?Each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote, and each share of Class B common stock is entitled to 20 votesThe worst kind of suck-ups: Verizon ends DEI programs, diversity goals as it seeks approval for Frontier acquisition MMVerizon dumped DEI. Then regulators cleared its $20 billion Frontier deal4/1/25: T-Mobile announces DEI changes in pursuit of LumosA day after T-Mobile said it would end some diversity, equity and inclusion practices, the FCC gave a green light to T-Mobile's deal with EQT for fiber operator Lumos.5/22/25: AT&T CEO on potential Trump DEI pressure for $5.75B deal: 'We don't have to roll back anything'AT&T CEO John Stankey isn't showing his hand yet on whether he plans to dial back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to gain approval for a big new fiber deal from the Trump administration.AT&T said late Wednesday it would acquire all of Lumen Technologies' (LUMN) fiber business for $5.75 billion, above the already pricey $5.5 billion that deal watchers estimated a few weeks ago.Goodliest of the Week (MM/DR):DR: Most US executives want to remove at least one director, PwC survey says93% said they wanted at least one director to be replaced, an all-time high for the five years this survey has been conducted78% said two or more should be replaced56% worried about directors' performance being diminished by their advanced age47% worried members served on too many boardsOnly 32% believe their boards have the right skills and expertiseMM: BYD overtakes Tesla in Europe for the first time. That's more bad news for Elon Musk. MMI'm now rooting for China… and I'm not alone: Jamie Dimon says he is a 'red-blooded American patriot capitalist,' but he sees how China's hustle is paying offAssholiest of the Week (MM):Shareholders lamenting the rise of virtual meetingsShareholders lament the rise of virtual annual meetingsThey miss the time they could meet directors face to face before voting 97% in favor?Shareholders afraid to vote against directors93% of U.S. Executives Desire Board Member Replacements, Survey Finds - News and Statistics49% of directors think one other director should get the axe too according to PwCGrant them their wish!! Just YOU choose instead of them!I'll do it for you:If I look at directors actively on 2+ boards, who have served on at least 3 boards in the last 7 years…Filter them by performance - below average earnings, TSR, AND controversies…There are 66 options to choose from!Including… Stephen Girsky, CEO of fraudulent company Nikola!Randy Weisenburger at Valero Energy and Carnival!Robert Johnson on the boards of Spirit Aero, Roper, and Spirit Airlines!Arnold Donald on four boards - Salesforce, BofA, GE Vernova, MP Materials! Four times the underperformance!Chip Bergh at HP and Pinterest!What, you don't recognize any of these names? These sound like random board members? Shame on you!Johnson has been on the boards for 18,19, and 14 years respectivelyWeisenburger for 14 and 16 yearsDonald's been at BofA for 12 yearsBergh's been at HP for 9 years!These people are tenured. They've been around. They've proven they are really good at overseeing underperformance. VOTE. THEM. OUT.I'm sure you're worried about hurting their feelings or seeming activist - you're not, and you won't! Even the boards and executives wish you would vote someone out! Try it!Harvard board members DRDHS barred Harvard from enrolling international students. Here's what's at stake and what's still uncertainYou've let Bill Ackman be your big fat useless mouthpiece - where the fuck are you all? Oh, I found you…2,173 companies in our database have at least one director who attended Harvard848 of those companies are NON US companiesJust under 4% of ALL GLOBAL DIRECTORSHIPS are held by what we KNOW are Harvard alumsIt's 9% of all US company directorships - nearly 1 in every 10 US directors at a company are from HarvardAverage network power of a Harvard director is $6.2 trillion, compared to a global average of $2.6 trillion - Harvard directors have nearly 2.5x the power of an average directorHarvard directors have on average 13% influence compared to 11% for other directorsOn average, 38% of Harvard directors have merit - while 20% of non Harvard directors doDriven largely by the fact that 62% of them have core industry knowledge and 55% are company leaders - vs. 19% of non Harvard directors with core industry knowledge and 44% of non Harvard directors being leadersWhere we have race/ethnicity data for Harvard directors (1,664 of them), 28% are non white - compared to non Harvard directors where we have race (12,412 of them) only 16% are non whiteAt least 70 of the directors who went to Harvard in our database are tagged as international nationals in our data - and that's a WOEFULLY incomplete datasetOpen your fucking mouths! Did going to Harvard any of you help you get jobs and board positions? Was it nice to network and meet people who eventually could help you get jobs? Is there a culture of Harvard? I hate Harvard, and even I think this is utter madness and stupidity - stand up! Say something you cowards! Headliniest of the WeekDR: Chicago Sun-Times prints summer reading list full of fake books: Reading list in advertorial supplement contains 66% made up books with real author names: "Tidewater Dreams" by Isabel Allende and "The Last Algorithm" by Andy Weir MM: ‘Buy the dip'? You're twice as likely to do that if you're a manNacho dip? Women Outperform Men as Investors, Statistics Show. Here Are 3 Possible Reasons.MM: Anthropic's new Claude model blackmailed an engineer having an affair in test runsMM: Pitney Bowes appoints activist investor as new CEOI love when a company literally just gives up entirelyWho Won the Week?DR: Sam Alman, Ugh: Sam Altman Tells Staff Plan to Ship 100 Million Devices That See Everything In Users' Lives after OpenAI is buying iPhone designer Jony Ive's AI devices startup for $6.4 billionMM: Bud Light - thanks to one trans beer drinker, everyone that shot their Bud Light cans avoided future illness: Beer is the latest source of hazardous PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals,' according to worried scientists. Thank you, trans beer drinkers! You saved us once again!PredictionsDR: When AT&T gives up its DEI program to the Trump altar, I buy some string and quickly make hummus so I can use two empty cans of chick peas to make my new phoneMM: Since this is going forward - Antitrust Cops Say BlackRock, Other Fund Giants May Have Hurt Coal Competition - which should read “Company owners ask companies they own to do stuff” - Blackrock will launch a new investment vehicle called “Pick Your Own Damn Stocks, We Don't Give a Damn LP” in which clients can pick the investments and are auto enrolled in a proxy voting program called “Whatever the Fuck Ever” in which voting and engagement are assigned directly to every board chair.

S&P Futures are trading slightly higher this morning after Wednesday's sell-off, which was triggered by a spike in Treasury yields amid concerns about a significant expansion in U.S. fiscal debt. The House is expected to pass Trump's tax and spending bill this morning; the vote is currently underway. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s “Make America Health Again” report is expected to be released today. Health insurer stocks are under pressure this morning following the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' announcement of expanded audits of Medicare Advantage plans. AT&T has agreed to acquire substantially all of Lumen Technologies' mass markets fiber business for $5.75 billion in cash.  Reports on Jobless Claims and the flash PMI report for May will be released today. On the earning front SNOW, URBN, ZM & AAP are higher after their releases. After the bell today earnings reports from INTU, WDAY, ADSK, CPRT, ROST and DECK are set to report.

What if the best leaders aren't the ones who always have the answers, but the ones who know how to ask the right questions? Learn from the incredible Angela Pappas in this unforgettable episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast! This conversation will leave you rethinking everything you know about career growth, team building, and what real leadership looks like today. Angela's journey is anything but ordinary. From leading software developers in cold data centers to building high-performing teams at Tesla and Palo Alto Networks, she's seen firsthand how empathy, emotional intelligence (EQ), and vulnerability aren't just “soft skills.” They're the foundation of servant leadership, high-performing teams, and long-term success. Angela believes trust-based relationships empower people to embrace autonomy, find inspiration, and hold themselves accountable to deliver results. From diversity and inclusion to onboarding, leadership development, and performance management, Angela works to engage employees and leaders in learning, growing, and accelerating individual, team, and organizational performance. Angela has led technical training, cybersecurity training, and professional development teams at Thomson Reuters, Tesla, and Palo Alto Networks. She's thrilled about her current role at Lumen Technologies, using her learning and organization development skills to support the company's transformation to a next-generation tech company, redefining what's possible beyond telecom.  Angela lives in Minnesota with her husband, daughter, and the dog that rules their home. She enjoys being in nature and speaks gratitude fluently. Introductions aside, this episode is packed with authentic stories, leadership strategies that actually work, and candid moments that will make you rethink your role as a leader. You'll hear how Angela helped launch talent initiatives in some of the world's top tech companies, turned setbacks into leadership superpowers, and why creating positive Ripples in your organization matters more than ever. Sometimes, all you need to do is admit that you can't possibly know everything, listen with curiosity, and use what you've learned to face challenges with a brave face. Make sure to listen until the end!   Connect with Angela Pappas: linkedin.com/in/angelapappas-learndevelop Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond  #therippleeffect #leadership #organizationaldevelopment #talentdevelopment #companyculture #careergrowth #careeradvancement #learningjourney #learningvideos

The hosts dive deep into the complex and mind-bending events of Severance Season 2, Episode 4, 'Woes Hollow.' They discuss character developments, particularly focusing on Helena/Helle's intricate storyline and Irving's emotional journey. The conversation touches on the critical acclaim the episode has received, the show's unpredictable narrative, and the potential implications of the Lumen Corporation's technological prowess. With detailed analysis and passionate perspectives, this episode unpacks the layers of Severance's haunting universe. 00:00 Welcome to the Severance Season 2 Podcast 00:38 Initial Reactions to Episode 4 01:23 Diving into the Plot Twists 03:27 Camping and Team Building 05:20 Theories and Speculations 24:59 Character Deep Dive: Irving 32:03 Exploring the Doppelgangers 32:43 Cloning Theories and Implications 33:32 Kier and Dieter: Fiction or Reality? 36:18 The Purpose of the Outing 36:28 Biblical Texts and Moral Teachings 45:54 The Complexity of Helena and Helle 59:25 Lumen Technologies and Future Speculations 01:00:48 Final Thoughts and Ratings 01:02:33 Wrap-Up and Contact Information

Send us a textIn this Part 2 of our conversation with Marco Rota, VP of Strategic Technology Alliances at Lumen Technologies, we dive headfirst into the technical side of Lumen's mission. From fiber-optics and edge computing to quantum breakthroughs—all propelled by powerful industry partnerships—Marco sheds light on how Lumen is enabling cutting-edge solutions and driving technology transformations. If you're eager to see how culture, leadership, and advanced tech come together to reshape industries, this episode is for you!00:31 Lumen's Technology02:37 Transformational Use Cases04:46 Edge Computing06:20 Quantum10:35 Wrapping Up Technology13:25 Supercharged Partnerships15:55 THE Leadership Principle18:16 For Fun23:01 A World-class ChefLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/marcorotapixWebsite: https://www.lumen.com/en-us/home.htmlWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. #MakingDataSimple #LumenTechnologies #FiberOptics #EdgeComputing #Quantum #TechInnovation #Partnerships #BusinessTransformation #LeadershipWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a textIn this Part 2 of our conversation with Marco Rota, VP of Strategic Technology Alliances at Lumen Technologies, we dive headfirst into the technical side of Lumen's mission. From fiber-optics and edge computing to quantum breakthroughs—all propelled by powerful industry partnerships—Marco sheds light on how Lumen is enabling cutting-edge solutions and driving technology transformations. If you're eager to see how culture, leadership, and advanced tech come together to reshape industries, this episode is for you!00:31 Lumen's Technology02:37 Transformational Use Cases04:46 Edge Computing06:20 Quantum10:35 Wrapping Up Technology13:25 Supercharged Partnerships15:55 THE Leadership Principle18:16 For Fun23:01 A World-class ChefLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/marcorotapixWebsite: https://www.lumen.com/en-us/home.htmlWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. #MakingDataSimple #LumenTechnologies #FiberOptics #EdgeComputing #Quantum #TechInnovation #Partnerships #BusinessTransformation #LeadershipWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a textWelcome back to Making Data Simple, where we explore how data-driven strategies ignite innovation and transform businesses. In this exciting episode, we sit down with Marco Rota, VP of Strategic Technology Alliances at Lumen Technologies, whose incredible journey spans from the glitz of Hollywood to leading-edge telecommunications. Tune in as Marco reveals how embracing a vibrant culture, drawing on lessons from the entertainment industry, and championing new technologies can propel teams and organizations to new heights of success. Get ready for an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at how “culture eats strategy for breakfast”—and why that's a game-changer for your organization, too!01:47 – Meet Marco RotaMarco shares his background and how his career path took him from the dynamic world of Hollywood to a leadership role at Lumen Technologies. He underscores his passion for storytelling, collaboration, and innovation—elements that continue to shape his work in tech.03:35 – Learnings from HollywoodDrawing on Hollywood's fast-paced environment, Marco highlights the importance of creative thinking and adaptability. He explains how these traits help push organizations to stay ahead of disruption and continually evolve, just like the film industry does to meet audience demands.10:56 – Transitioning to Lumen TechnologiesMarco describes his shift from entertainment into the telecommunications and technology space. He emphasizes the parallels between Hollywood and tech—both thrive on communication, audience engagement, and cutting-edge production processes.15:55 – What IS Lumen TechnologiesMarco explains Lumen's core mission: powering next-generation connectivity, cloud, edge computing, and security solutions. By marrying technology services with an innovative culture, Lumen seeks to help organizations accelerate data-driven transformation.18:29 – Culture versus TechnologyAn organization's culture can be its greatest asset—or its biggest hurdle. Culture “eats strategy for breakfast” because fostering collaboration, trust, and continuous learning is what truly drives successful technology initiatives forward.24:20 – The Management SystemMarco talks about the framework for leadership and team alignment at Lumen, which integrates vision, purpose, and measurable goals. This system ensures that cultural values and strategic objectives reinforce each other—resulting in cohesive, energized teams ready to tackle the biggest challenges in tech.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/marcorotapixWebsite: https://www.lumen.com/en-us/home.htmlWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. #MakingDataSimple #CultureEatsStrategy #DataInnovation #DigitalTransformation #TechLeadership #PodcastEpisode #HollywoodToTech #LumenTechnologies #BusinessInsights #InspirationWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a textWelcome back to Making Data Simple, where we explore how data-driven strategies ignite innovation and transform businesses. In this exciting episode, we sit down with Marco Rota, VP of Strategic Technology Alliances at Lumen Technologies, whose incredible journey spans from the glitz of Hollywood to leading-edge telecommunications. Tune in as Marco reveals how embracing a vibrant culture, drawing on lessons from the entertainment industry, and championing new technologies can propel teams and organizations to new heights of success. Get ready for an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at how “culture eats strategy for breakfast”—and why that's a game-changer for your organization, too!01:47 – Meet Marco RotaMarco shares his background and how his career path took him from the dynamic world of Hollywood to a leadership role at Lumen Technologies. He underscores his passion for storytelling, collaboration, and innovation—elements that continue to shape his work in tech.03:35 – Learnings from HollywoodDrawing on Hollywood's fast-paced environment, Marco highlights the importance of creative thinking and adaptability. He explains how these traits help push organizations to stay ahead of disruption and continually evolve, just like the film industry does to meet audience demands.10:56 – Transitioning to Lumen TechnologiesMarco describes his shift from entertainment into the telecommunications and technology space. He emphasizes the parallels between Hollywood and tech—both thrive on communication, audience engagement, and cutting-edge production processes.15:55 – What IS Lumen TechnologiesMarco explains Lumen's core mission: powering next-generation connectivity, cloud, edge computing, and security solutions. By marrying technology services with an innovative culture, Lumen seeks to help organizations accelerate data-driven transformation.18:29 – Culture versus TechnologyAn organization's culture can be its greatest asset—or its biggest hurdle. Culture “eats strategy for breakfast” because fostering collaboration, trust, and continuous learning is what truly drives successful technology initiatives forward.24:20 – The Management SystemMarco talks about the framework for leadership and team alignment at Lumen, which integrates vision, purpose, and measurable goals. This system ensures that cultural values and strategic objectives reinforce each other—resulting in cohesive, energized teams ready to tackle the biggest challenges in tech.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/marcorotapixWebsite: https://www.lumen.com/en-us/home.htmlWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. #MakingDataSimple #CultureEatsStrategy #DataInnovation #DigitalTransformation #TechLeadership #PodcastEpisode #HollywoodToTech #LumenTechnologies #BusinessInsights #InspirationWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Our feature guest this week is Rock Lambros, CEO and founder at Rock Cyber, interviewed by Frank Victory. News from Colorado School of Mines, Lufthansa, Boom Supersonic, Lumen Technologies, LucisPoint, Ping Identity, Optiv, NCC, Red Canary and a lot more. Support us on Patreon! Fun swag available - all proceeds will directly support the Colorado = Security infrastructure. Come join us on the new Colorado = Security Slack channel to meet old and new friends. Sign up for our mailing list on the main site to receive weekly updates - https://www.colorado-security.com/. If you have any questions or comments, or any organizations or events we should highlight, contact Alex and Robb at info@colorado-security.com This week's news: Join the Colorado = Security Slack channel The Coldest Place in the Known Universe Is at the Colorado School of Mines Lufthansa gives Denver first regular service on Airbus A380 - The Points Guy Denver-area company's experimental jet breaks sound barrier three times Lumen Technologies to auction 55-acre suburban campus, move employees to Denver Co-owners' fraud, snooping claims threaten IT firm in Cherry Creek 2025 Predictions for IAM Leaders AI Security and Governance: A Practical Path to Protection How to Protect Your Child's Data After a Breach - National Cybersecurity Center Tangerine Turkey mines cryptocurrency in global campaign | Red Canary Upcoming Events: Check out the full calendar Wild West Hackin' Fest @ Mile High 2025 - 2/4-7 ISSA Denver - Privacy SIG: Hey, Siri: What We Should Get Out of Apple's $95M Snooping Settlement - 2/5 ISSA Denver - Cybersecurity Insights from Denver's Top CISOs - 2/12 Let's Talk Software Security - Are Security Breaches Evidence of Systemic Failures? - 2/18 ISSA COS - Chapter Open House - 2/18 ISACA Denver - Joint meeting with IIA - 2/20 ISSA Denver - AI/ML SIG: AI Revolution Blueprint: Mastering the Art of Strategy and Governance from Ground Zero Workshop - 2/26 ISSA Pikes Peak - Chapter Meeting - 2/26 View our events page for a full list of upcoming events * Thanks to CJ Adams for our intro and exit! If you need any voiceover work, you can contact him here at carrrladams@gmail.com. Check out his other voice work here. * Intro and exit song: "The Language of Blame" by The Agrarians is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Turning around a struggling company isn't for the faint of heart, but Kate Johnson, CEO of Lumen Technologies, is proving it can be done—and done well. Leading 30,000 employees and steering billions in revenue, Kate is tackling one of the toughest challenges in business: shifting a telecom giant from “playing not to lose” to “playing to win.” In this episode, Kate opens her fresh and fearless playbook on what it really takes to transform a culture: it starts with clarifying your mission and getting everyone aligned. She shares bold, practical strategies like fostering trust, teaching resilience, and encouraging courageous conversations that push teams forward, not sideways. We'll also unpack why most leaders fail at culture change (and it's not for lack of trying), how to break silos by getting close to the action, and the non-negotiables for any leader's first 100 days. If you're ready to rethink what it means to lead and create a culture that wins, you don't want to miss this one.  ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Forecast: Cyber conditions are turbulent with two major Chinese state-sponsored storms impacting U.S. infrastructure, with aftershocks expected into mid-January. ‍ In today's episode of Storm Watch, we cover two major cybersecurity incidents that have significantly impacted U.S. infrastructure. The BeyondTrust breach, initially discovered in early December 2024, involved a compromised Remote Support SaaS API key that allowed attackers to reset passwords and access workstations remotely. The Treasury Department was notably affected, with attackers accessing unclassified documents in the Office of Financial Research and Office of Foreign Assets Control. The incident exposed critical vulnerabilities, including a severe command injection flaw with a CVSS score of 9.8, and over 13,500 BeyondTrust instances remain exposed online. The conversation then shifts to the extensive telecommunications breaches known as the Salt Typhoon campaign, where Chinese state actors successfully infiltrated nine major U.S. telecom companies. This sophisticated espionage operation gained the capability to geolocate millions of individuals and potentially record phone calls, though actual communication interception was limited to fewer than 100 high-profile targets. The breach revealed shocking security lapses, such as a single administrator account having access to over 100,000 routers and the use of primitive passwords like "1111" for management systems. Major carriers including AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies were among the affected companies, with varying degrees of impact and response effectiveness. T-Mobile stands out for their quick detection and mitigation of the attack. In response to these incidents, the FCC is preparing to vote on new cybersecurity regulations by mid-January 2025, while the White House has outlined key areas for improvement including configuration management, vulnerability management, network segmentation, and enhanced information sharing across the sector. The episode wraps up with insights from recent Censys Rapid Response posts and the latest GreyNoise blog entry about profiling benign internet scanners in 2024, along with VulnCheck's analysis of the most dangerous software weaknesses and a discussion of the Four-Faith Industrial Router vulnerability being exploited in the wild. Storm Watch Homepage >> Learn more about GreyNoise >>  

In this episode of the IoT For All Podcast, Paul Savill, Global Practice Leader for Network and Edge Computing at Kyndryl, joins Ryan Chacon to discuss taking IoT security seriously. The conversation also covers the IT/OT divide, the challenges of IoT adoption, the security vulnerabilities of legacy infrastructure, the importance of strict security policies and training, the impact of new regulations, when it makes sense to have an in-house security team, strategies for businesses to enhance their security posture, and advice for companies on staying up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats. Kyndryl Readiness Report: https://www.kyndryl.com/us/en/about-us/news/readiness-report Paul Savill is the Global Practice Leader for Network and Edge Computing at Kyndryl. He came to Kyndryl from Lumen Technologies, where he was Senior Vice President of Product Management and Services. He has deep expertise across a range of network and edge domains, including edge/cloud, cloud connectivity, SD-WAN, optical networking, content delivery services, and IT services. Kyndryl is the world's largest IT infrastructure services provider, serving thousands of enterprise customers in more than 60 countries. The company designs, builds, manages, and modernizes the complex, mission-critical information systems that the world depends on every day. Discover more about IoT at https://www.iotforall.com Find IoT solutions: https://marketplace.iotforall.com More about Kyndryl: https://www.kyndryl.com Connect with Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-savill-6162965/ Our sponsor: https://www.qoitech.com (00:00) Sponsor (00:34) Intro (00:44) Paul Savill and Kyndryl (03:44) Biggest challenges in IoT adoption (07:02) How has the IT/OT divide created security threats (08:37) Security threats of outdated hardware (10:39) How to secure your organization (13:40) How to know how secure you are (15:55) Staying up-to-date on security threats (17:39) When should security be brought in-house? (19:22) Learn more and follow up Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2NlcEwm Join Our Newsletter: https://newsletter.iotforall.com Follow Us on Social: https://linktr.ee/iot4all

Wild ride for markets - election movers and groovers. Fed dousing the fire a bit. Inflation is still a thing. Nuke talk again.... PLUS we are now on Spotify and Amazon Music/Podcasts! Click HERE for Show Notes and Links DHUnplugged is now streaming live - with listener chat. Click on link on the right sidebar. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter DONATIONS ? OHHH - the new shirt design is coming along... Warm-Up - Up and Down - Election Confusing Markets - What a wild ride - more to come - CTP for Carvana will be closing out this coming Friday and that is it for 2024 - CTP Cup comes in December - More hacks that no one cares about - Another big bankruptcy - Nuke talks again Markets - Up and down - shine off that penny? - Every pick / comment brings on new move - Fed pours some cold water on markets - Inflation - still a thing - Something happening - only happened a few times in history ANNOUNCEMENT : AH - Chili Competition Results - 3rd Place Netflix - Jake Paul (27) and Mike Tyson (58) - 60 million people "tried" to watch - Glitches - system overload - Jake Paul took it in a 8 round decision. - Can you imagine if Netflix starts doing these live events with a $1 charge? - Jake Paul got $40M and Tyson got $20M Follow Up - Palantir - Jumps after earnings and then announcing move to NASDAQ (Nov 26) - As of last Friday - #1 performer in S&P 500 this year - Up 48% MTD and 250% YTD - Big move Friday was because it will qualify for NAZ 100 (QQQ) and lots of buying will need to be done - Good for Peter: Thiel's Palantir holdings have increased in value by about $3.2 billion since the earnings report and $2 billion since the election. Once Hot -Now Not - Here is company that we had for clients -bought low, sold higher, bought some more higher, sold on way down - Super Micro - SMCI - was a darling for some time - then a few short sellers attacked - stock sold off - Company decided to follow the other guys with 10-1 stock spilts - stock was as high as $1,200 per share pre split- now??? $21.75 ($217.50 comparable) - Could be kicked out of NASDAQ - Short -Sellers couldbe right - Super Micro is late in filing its 2024 year-end report with the SEC, and has yet to replace its accounting firm. --- UPDATE - Super Micro Computer secures BDO USA as lead auditor, targets key filings by early 2025 amid NASDAQ approval process (Stock up 25%) Markets - Not Often Seen - The stock market has done this only three times since January 1871 - The Shiller P/E ratio has reached a reading of 38 only three times during a bull market rally in 153 years. In December 1999, during the dot-com boom, the Shiller P/E peaked at a reading of 44.19. Meanwhile, in the first week of 2022, it very briefly lifted above 40. - On most occasions, this heat needs to be cooled... It could take time as this is a slow moving ratio/indicator - Another point - only a few times in history have we seen a market up 20% - 2 consecutive years. --- Will it continue? History shows that this needs to cool off too - but that does not mean a crash is imminent. More Cooling - Russell 2000 was HOT right after the election. - Day after it was up like 5%+++ - Last week, down 4% Hack'd - Hackers linked to a Chinese intelligence agency were able to breach T-Mobile as part of a months-long campaign to spy on the cellphone communications of high-value intelligence targets - Last Wednesday, The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. cyber watchdog agency CISA said China-linked hackers have intercepted surveillance data intended for American law enforcement agencies after breaking into an unspecified number of telecom companies. - Earlier in October, the Journal reported that Chinese hackers accessed the networks of U.S. broadband providers, including Verizon Communications, AT&T and Lumen Technologies,

Dr. Li-Meng Yan w/ The Voice of Dr. Yan – On Oct 5, The WSJ reported that a cyberattack tied to the Chinese government breached the networks of a swath of internet service providers in the US, including Verizon Communications, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies. The hacker group named Salt Typhoon appears to have engaged in capturing vast network traffic and was looking for sensitive information...

A big cyberattack attributed to groups backed by the Chinese government has telecom providers worried. In this new report, investigators have determined that the group, known as Salt Typhoon, has had months-long access into the network infrastructures of companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies. That access includes visibility over the infrastructure used for lawful intercept, which is the Internet version of tapping a phone. Per the report, the Salt Typhoon hackers appeared to be engaged in a data collection mission, trying to obtain as much data as possible from US businesses as well as those that they do business with. Time Stamps: 0:00 - Welcome to the Rundown 1:06 - Samsung Begins 1TB QLC 9th-Gen V-NAND Production 4:26 - Dust Bunnies on the Attack: Datacenter Maintenance Issues Pose Security Threats 7:41 - Equinix joint venture to spend $15B building 1.5GW of AI datacentres 11:28 - Cisco Teams Up With Coreweave 14:58 - Commercial Wordpress hosting stoush 18:51 - Oscium Acquires MetaGeek 22:24 - Nation State Actors Tap the Taps 31:12 - The Weeks Ahead 33:09 - Thanks for Watching Hosts: Tom Hollingsworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/networkingnerd/ Alastair Cooke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastaircooke/ Follow Gestalt IT Website: https://www.GestaltIT.com/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/GestaltIT LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Gestalt-IT #Rundown, #Datacenter, #AI, #CyberSecurity, @GestaltIT, @NetworkingNerd, @DemitasseNZ, @TheFuturumGroup, @TechFieldDay, @Samsung, @Oscium, @MetaGeek, @Wordpress, @Cisco, @Coreweave, @Equinix,

The traditional boundaries of demand generation and account-based marketing are blurring, and the need for a more integrated and strategic approach to driving growth in the B2B landscape is apparent. In this episode, you'll hear from Wes Lieser, VP of Demand Generation & Marketing Search at Versique; Sam Nohava, VP of Global Marketing - Manufacturing & Logistics Service Providers for Blue Yonder; Madeline Maguire, Head of B2B Marketing at Grubhub; and Annie Chamberlain Head of Account-Based Marketing & Experiences at Lumen Technologies, as they explore the dynamic landscape of demand gen and ABM, as well as the pivotal moment where these strategies intersect. Tune in now to hear: How companies can leverage the power of data, personalization and automation to effectively target high-value accounts while still maintaining a broad reach; and Practical insights and best practices for marketers looking to strike the right balance between demand generation and ABM to achieve optimal results in today's competitive B2B marketplace.RELATED LINKS: Learn more about B2BMX East, here;Register for B2BMX East to see Daniel's presentation using this special 15% off code just for our listeners: MXPOD15; andFollow us on LinkedIn and X.

In this episode of The Cybersecurity Defenders Podcast, we discuss some cutting-edge intel coming out of LimaCharlie's community Slack channel.A stealthy Linux malware named 'sedexp' has been evading detection since 2022 by using a persistence technique not yet included in the MITRE ATT&CK framework.The Black Lotus Labs team at Lumen Technologies have uncovered a group of hackers linked to the Chinese government which have exploited a previously unknown software vulnerability to target U.S. internet service providers.Earlier in August, a North Korean hacking group exploited a previously unknown bug in Chrome-based browsers, aiming to steal cryptocurrency, which was reported by Microsoft in a recent update.The Dutch Data Protection Authority, or Dutch DPA, has hit Clearview AI with a €30.5 million fine—about $33.7 million—for illegally collecting data using facial recognition, including photos of Dutch citizens.Energy giant Halliburton has confirmed that its systems were hacked, and intruders were able to steal information following a cyberattack last week.

Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field that requires continuous learning, adaptability, and a deep understanding of both the technological landscape and human behavior. Today's guest, Dave Mahon, a seasoned cybersecurity expert with extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, shares his journey from the FBI to leading global cybersecurity efforts in the corporate world.Dave Mahon served as a Senior Advisor for Deloitte, where he was instrumental in developing and executing strategies to safeguard information, technologies, and data. Prior to Deloitte, he was the Global Chief Security Officer for CenturyLink, now Lumen Technologies, and also served as a Special Agent for the FBI, focusing on federal crimes involving cyber threats, terrorism, and more. In this episode, Dave discusses the critical thinking skills he developed over his 20-year career in the FBI and how he applied them in the private sector to tackle emerging cybersecurity challenges.Host Barry O'Reilly invites Dave to explore his career journey, the lessons he learned, and the importance of mentorship, team building, and strategic thinking in cybersecurity. The conversation delves into the nuances of transitioning from public service to corporate leadership, the evolving nature of cyber threats, and how businesses can better prepare for future challenges.Key Takeaways:The Importance of Adaptability in Cybersecurity: As technology and business models evolve, so do the tactics of adversaries. Cybersecurity professionals must continuously adapt to stay ahead.Holistic Approach to Cybersecurity: Successful cybersecurity strategies involve not just technical defenses but also understanding the motivations and methods of adversaries.Mentorship and Leadership: Effective leadership in cybersecurity requires understanding the diverse skills and motivations of team members, providing the right guidance, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.Corporate Culture and Cybersecurity: Transitioning from the public to the private sector requires understanding corporate dynamics, including ROI and business objectives, to effectively integrate security measures.Additional Insights:FBI Experience: Dave's early career in the FBI instilled in him a deep understanding of critical thinking, investigation, and a life of purpose, which he has carried throughout his professional journey.Adapting to Corporate Culture: Moving from a black-and-white, rules-based environment in the FBI to the nuanced world of corporate security presented unique challenges, particularly in understanding business motivations and the need for clear ROI in security investments.The Future of Cybersecurity: As organizations move to cloud-based infrastructures and remote work environments, the strategies of cyber adversaries will continue to evolve, requiring constant vigilance and innovation from cybersecurity professionals.Episode Highlights00:00 - Introduction to the episode.00:02:47 - Dave's early life and influences"There's a couple of key parts of everybody's life... because it starts to set the foundation for how you think about your life going forward and how you're going to make the decisions."00:03:58 -...

Lumen Technologies CEO Kate Johnson discusses cryptocurrencies in the age of AI with Bloomberg's Matt Miller and Sonali Basak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As one of the federal government's primary carriers, Lumen Technologies also takes on the mantle of layering the latest innovations on top of the core network to make it more complete and well-rounded.Jason Schulman, national vice president of federal government sales at Lumen Technologies, explains in this episode how the company works with agencies to make that happen regardless of where they are in their innovation comfort levels.For Company No. 38 on our 2024 Top 100, that also means looking beyond the current Enterprise Infrastructure contract vehicle as the government is already thinking about its successor. Schulman tells our Ross Wilkers all about how the work begins now on that front for carriers and agencies alike.

The growth of TheMoon malware and its contribution to the Faceless proxy network, shining a light on the vital role of cybersecurity in safeguarding critical infrastructure. Featuring insights from Lumen Technologies' Black Lotus Labs and CISA's new reporting mandates. [00:02:53] The Moon Malware [00:07:37] Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Updates [00:17:08] Personal Cybersecurity Tips & Encouragement Original URLs: https://blog.lumen.com/the-darkside-of-themoon/ https://krebsonsecurity.com/2023/04/giving-a-face-to-the-malware-proxy-service-faceless/ https://www.cybersecuritydive.com/news/cisa-notice-critical-infrastructure/711506/ https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/cisa-marks-important-milestone-addressing-cyber-incidents-seeks-input-circia-notice-proposed https://thehackernews.com/2024/03/key-lesson-from-microsofts-password.html Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_daily_decrypt/ Thanks to Jered Jones for providing the music for this episode. https://www.jeredjones.com/ Logo Design by https://www.zackgraber.com/ Tags: cybersecurity, TheMoon malware, Faceless network, Lumen Technologies, CISA, critical infrastructure, cyber incident reporting, Microsoft, Midnight Blizzard, NOBELIUM, password spray hack, IoT security, proxy services, cyber threats, router vulnerabilities Search Phrases: Exploring TheMoon malware and its impact on cybersecurity Understanding Faceless proxy service and cyber anonymity Lumen Technologies' fight against cyber threats CISA's new cyber incident reporting rules for critical infrastructure Microsoft's response to Midnight Blizzard cyber attacks NOBELIUM's tactics in cyber espionage How to protect routers from cyber attacks The significance of cybersecurity in safeguarding critical infrastructure Cybersecurity best practices for IoT devices Strategies to counter password spray hacks Importance of secure accounts in preventing cyber attacks Analyzing the growth of proxy networks in cybercrime The role of critical infrastructure in national cybersecurity Updates and insights from CISA on cyber incident management Microsoft's investigation into state-sponsored cyber threats Transcript: Transition (Short) Low Energy [00:00:00] Welcome & Introduction offsetkeyz: Welcome back to the Daily Decrypt. Fly me to the moon. [00:00:08] The Rise of The Moon Malware offsetkeyz: The Moon malware is now covertly amassing over 7, 000 SOHO routers and IoT devices each week into the faceless proxy network, as unveiled by Black Lotus Labs at Lumen Technologies, signaling a worrying escalation in cybercriminal capabilities. What steps can be taken to prevent devices from falling prey to the moon malware and contributing to the expansion of the faceless proxy network? Critical infrastructure entities such as power and water are now mandated to swiftly report cyber incidents and ransom payments following new rules proposed by the cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency known as CISA. Marking a crucial advancement in bolstering the nation's cybersecurity defenses. And finally, we've got the expert dogespan back to discuss some lessons learned from the recent midnight Blizzard Microsoft breach. So stick around for that juicy goodness. So recently we reported on Soho routers, which is small home. What is small, dogespan: small, office, home office. offsetkeyz: small home office office, small. Is it small office, home office? dogespan: Yeah. South of Houston street, offsetkeyz: So yeah, recently there's been some news on Soho routers being vulnerable to these malwares. pulling them into proxy networks. And so this isn't necessarily breaking news, but there has been some recent research coming out that shows some pretty staggering numbers. So the latest findings by Lumen Technologies Black Lotus Labs spotlight a startling expansion of the faceless proxy network, with the moon malware enrolling over 7, 000 new users. per week into its ranks. That's a lot of routers. dogespan: ISP routers right there? offsetkeyz: I would hope not, but your ISP has no incentive whatsoever to replace that router and you're paying a rental fee. So dogespan: Yep. offsetkeyz: There's a little bit more information linked in the show notes below, but. An aggressive campaign in early March of 2024 saw over 6, 000 ASUS routers compromised in less than 72 hours. So at this rate, they're well over 40, 000 last we checked in February, plus 7, 000 each week. The Moon malware continues to refine its infection methods, targeting devices with accessible shell environments before implementing a series of IP table modifications. This prepares the compromised device to serve as a proxy facilitating anonymous internet usage for malicious actors through the faceless service. [00:02:53] The Moon Malware offsetkeyz: First of all, we can talk about what a proxy network is. It's essentially just. It's essentially just tens of thousands of devices that cybercriminals are able to route their traffic through. So that's bad news for you, whether you're trying to avoid people snooping on you, or you're trying to protect your privacy, or you're trying to not be an accomplice in cybercrime. In the article linked in the show notes below, you'll be able to see some indicators of compromise, but the biggest thing is that's the gateway to the internet for you. So everything going in and everything coming out of your house. is now accessible to these attackers. They're probably not interested in that. They're interested in just having the power to route their criminal activity through 40, 000 routers. But when you hand criminals a bunch of free data, they're probably going to get around to using it. So what can you do to prevent your router from being part of this proxy network? Make sure it's up to date. And that's kind of tricky for most users. You're going to actually have to go into the router, which is a bit of a process. You also really want to make sure the username and passwords to your router are changed because they're probably accessible via the internet. Like I could go Google your router model number and find out what the username and password is, enter it in, and B boom. dogespan: There's a number of them, just out on the internet, you can throw creds at them at any point in time. offsetkeyz: Yeah. Once you start getting into cybersecurity, you'll quickly come across the sites that just index all vulnerable routers, what, what's the site that I'm thinking of? Do you remember? Doja Span. dogespan: Shodan. Shodan. offsetkeyz: If you just go on there, you can, first of all, you can check your IP and see what the deal is. But yeah there, there's a lot of 'em. So this proxy network is growing quickly. Probably thanks to Shodan, but mostly because there's a lot of vulnerable routers out there, even if they're not end of life People just don't change their password. They don't know. So tell your mom, tell your friends, tell your grandpa, change your router password it's a big deal. Honestly. dogespan: Yeah, it's interesting, we like, of course there is the proxy implication, so the attacker is like you said, most likely just using it to hide and cover their tracks, and one of the things that could come out of that, I think you did mention it, that you could be legally implicated. for certain types of activity. And while you're not the person doing it, if you are like the exit node or close enough in the chain for beginning or end, you might get picked up. So Definitely see if this is something that is affecting you, a lot of this malware, you can just reboot the router, like give it an unplug for 10 seconds, 30 seconds, and plug it back in, a lot of the malware will will die off, but then of course, make sure it's updated. One thing you can do is request that your ISP updates your router. So if you have been paying that monthly lease, if it's been two years, call them and tell them that you want a new one. offsetkeyz: Yeah, I'm sure it's even built into your contract that you're entitled to a new router after X amount of months, and it probably isn't more than 18. dogespan: Mm hmm. offsetkeyz: know they're not updating it, they're not forcing updates, and they know you're not updating it. so they probably legally have to offer you a new one. So all you have to do is call, and you might be on hold for a while, but just, yeah, get a new router if you've inherited an ISP router and you feel really proud of yourself because you're not paying the 7 a month anymore, and you've had the same router for five years. this right here serves as your official notice to not do that. Go get a new one. So yeah, to wrap this up, the article linked in the show notes recommends a couple things. They recommend first of all blocking botnet traffic based on certain indicators of compromise. So if you're a network defender, see that article for those IOCs. But consumers with SOHO routers should follow best practices of regularly rebooting routers, as dogespan said, and installing security updates and patches. And they provide a full link on how to do that. offsetkeyz: by the Canadian Center for Cybersecurity. So thanks, Canadia. And, for organizations that manage SOHO routers, make sure the devices do not rely upon common default passwords. They should also ensure the management interfaces are properly secured and not accessible via the internet. And again, another article explaining exactly how to do that. So, do those things, call your ISP, and you should be good to go. transition: DOG. DOG. DOG. DOG. [00:07:37] Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Updates offsetkeyz: So one of the common themes, if you've been listening for a while, is critical infrastructure. The White House has been releasing guidance to critical infrastructure IT departments. There's been a real emphasis on securing critical infrastructure. Turns out that's because it's constantly under attack and it's our Achilles heel. If attackers can get our critical infrastructure, they can probably shut down our internet, and then we have no way of protecting ourselves. They can shut down our power, we have no security cameras, you know, We have no food, can't nourish our bodies, to go to cyber war. the most recent step in this effort is the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, known as CISA, introduced a proposed rule mandating that critical infrastructure entities report significant cyber incidents within 72 hours and ransom payments within 24 hours. So this is pretty huge because we don't really have the data. We don't know how these critical infrastructures are getting attacked, if they're paying, if they're not paying. We're all kind of guessing. So It's gonna suck a little. Another checklist item while you're under attack. but it's going to help overall critical infrastructure stay secure. dogespan: Yeah, Critical Infrastructure definitely needs to be reporting that up as soon as possible. It's such a big deal. And I do like that they're imposing that on Critical Infrastructure. It's a really good step in the right direction. 72 hours? offsetkeyz: Yeah, that's a little generous and yeah, there's a lot of conflicting feelings about this, especially if. you're under ransomware attack, attackers are telling you not to report it, attackers are saying they're going to shred your data, they're going to destroy it if you report it up, and when you're under attack, you're afraid, and you might have the money, and you might just pay them, and you might forget to report, and that might cause fines or whatever, so that's just one of the cons to this, but we really need this data, It's going to help keep critical infrastructure more secure. It looks like this rule is expected to affect over 316, 000 entities with an estimated cost of 2. 6 billion. There is some debate as to what qualifies as critical infrastructure, and I'm surprised that this guidance came out with gray area at all. It should be pretty exhaustive, but it According to the article linked in the show notes, which we always encourage you to read for yourself, don't just listen to what we're saying as truth go read it for yourself. The U. S. recognizes 16 critical infrastructure sectors, but debates continue about the scope of entities required to comply. For example, UnitedHealthcare group. qualifies under the current definitions, but the status of change healthcare, which was recently breached, is kind of gray. It's uncertain, which doesn't make sense to me, if there's uncertainty, people aren't going to report and then they're going to claim they didn't know. So let's figure that out. dogespan: Yeah, definitely like to see them move in the direction of just, when in doubt, report. Because if you're getting CISA involved, they're going to lend that expert help. If you're not equipped to do the investigation, you're better off just letting them know and cooperating with them. Even with ransomware and you going and paying it, you're hoping that they live up to their word? And that's a criminal. offsetkeyz: Yeah, exactly. It's a lesson in all facets of life. from big enterprises down to personal as well. If you need help, ask for it. If you did something wrong, tell the people it impacts. Any smart person receiving this information is going to try to help as hard as they can, and they're not going to hold it against you. Simply telling the truth always wins, so do it, dogespan: That's exactly what I tell my kids. offsetkeyz: and they need to hear it, and so do many others. dogespan: Alright, so the last one. Midnight Blizzard, also known as Nobellium, a Russian state sponsored actor, got into Microsoft and they did so through the use of password sprays. So password spray being they just go down the line hitting as many passwords as they can on any account and hoping for the best. Well, this was against Microsoft and it ended up being successful. Nobelium got access to a dev account and This account ended up having elevated privileges. Throughout the stages of this attack, they ended up going up higher and higher and higher through privilege escalation. . This one was a privileged account, but it was in a development environment. They ended up getting access to an account and started sending off phishing emails across the board to their executives. Well, they ended up getting a couple of hits and there was no MFA. on those higher up accounts. That's probably the most shocking aspect of that. We know that. This was all previous information. So, what's happening now? Microsoft has gotten them out and they have been doing all their recursive investigations. So the evidence of this is that they got access to, well, source code and internal systems. Luckily, no customer facing systems were compromised. They did have access to source code, but nothing customer related, so we are still in the clear. However, go change your passwords. Now, being that they've had access to this stuff, they've been able to start probing at systems a little bit more in depth, and these Well, Microsoft has noticed since this that password sprays have increased by a tenfold. offsetkeyz: What? Against Microsoft, or in general? dogespan: Probably Microsoft systems since they have access to that kind of data, but they, it does say here that they are increasing their security investments. Good, good, good. cross enterprise coordination and enhanced defense capabilities against this persistent threat. So that sounds like they are working with customers to make sure that everybody's safe and sound. Good on them. Overall, I think they've done a good job with this response. In recent weeks, they have seen that Midnight Blizzard is using the information that they originally exfiltrated to attempt to gain more unauthorized access. This comes from two different sources. One was directly from Microsoft's blog and then the other was a summary from the Hacker News. I'd like how the Hacker News, they've gone and broken little bits of it and kind of translated it more targeted at a smaller organization and not so much, you know, how Microsoft got hit by this stuff. And one of the things that they mentioned is the importance of protecting all accounts. this ended up being an attack against a privileged developer account or an developer environment. And a lot of times what happens in larger organizations is you kind of create accounts, you create stuff, and it serves its purpose, and you never delete it. So it's super important to make sure that you're either, have good security on it in the first place, or you delete it as soon as you're done with it. Now, how does that translate to the regular user? You mentioned this yesterday's podcast. when you're downloading an app for a single purpose, do you typically leave it on your system or do you delete it afterwards? One of the things that I try to think about is, ordering food. a lot of them, you cannot order food through a web browser, unless you're actually like physically on a computer. it's going to be so persistent to try to get you to go to that app. A lot of times it won't even let you like McDonald's is one of those good ones. You are automatically rerouted to that app. Every single time I download that app, order my food, pick up my food, and then I delete that app. And it's not so much. That it's McDonald's, but you just don't know what else is involved in that. And McDonald's is all about food, not data security. offsetkeyz: No, I mean, they are a fortune five company, probably. so hopefully they have a good security system, but yeah, you'd be surprised at the permissions the McDonald's app asks for. And Hawkrow Farmer and I were discussing this a week or two ago. when you're hungry, there is a serious sense of urgency. And attackers know. Under what circumstances there's a sense of urgency. So if you're on DoorDash and you're having a hard time getting the food, you might pivot over to some other delivery service by Googling it, clicking on an ad, and then downloading the app from that ad. Because you're really hungry and you're just trying to get your food. So now you've downloaded the wrong app, you create an account, username, same password you use on your bank, same email you use on your bank, they now have that, they go to your bank, they get you, whatever. Now you're in a proxy network because you left that app. There's so many bad things that happen, but, but the one thing about, that's a good example, doges, is urgency. And when you're hungry, things feel very urgent. dogespan: Very, very urgent. If an attacker has access to a password and it's associated with an email, they're going to try it anywhere and everywhere. And one of the key areas that they're going to try it is your email provider, because that is clear evidence that you have an account there. So that's the main takeaway with it from this, even on a large enterprise scale, is all accounts need to be protected. [00:17:08] Personal Cybersecurity Tips & Encouragement dogespan: If you can't protect those accounts Use them for what you need to and remove it. Whether that's just getting an app on your phone or creating an account just for the purpose of ordering some food. Delete it afterwards. offsetkeyz: Yeah, we'd like to just harp on not reusing passwords. Um, if someone can get into your email, they can reset any password on any account that you have, because, I mean, what's the first step? I think I talked about it in yesterday's episode. When you click the reset password button, what does it do? It sends you an email to click on a link to go reset your password. And that's all it is. So if, if the attacker has access to your email address, they can reset any password, including your bank, including your Instagram. You know, the more I talk to people about password reuse and password managers and multifactor authentication, the more I met with fear and shame. Shame is really the key one, and the shame doesn't quite outweigh the fear. like it never is enough to get them going, but it is a negative feeling associated with passwords. And what I mean by that is people are just always ashamed that they haven't done this, or they haven't done that, whatever. They reuse their password. They're really ashamed. Well, this can serve as a good example for you that even executives at Microsoft haven't enabled multi factor authentication. You're doing okay. Just try to chip away at it. one piece at a time, try to enable multi factor authentication. Don't surrender to the shame. dogespan: It doesn't have to be something that you, you know, you decide Today when you wake up. That. I'm going to go enable MFA on all of my accounts. How I handle that is when I log in and I don't get prompted to authenticate myself, I think, is there a way to get MFA? Put a little sticky note somewhere that says, go check your security settings on this website when you're done with what you're doing. So you don't have to break focus, just real quick, security settings. Go back to it after you've checked your balance or whatever it is you went to. And then the next time you log into something else and you don't get prompted for MFA, offsetkeyz: it's a slow process. and that's okay. It's okay to be a slow process. Really focus on the important things to start and the more you get going, the easier it gets. But right now, if you haven't started, it seems like it's going to be really painful, but think about it. What happens when you accomplish really painful, really hard tasks? You get a flood of dopamine. Look forward to that dopamine hit when you actually enable MFA and change your password and download that pass password manager It sounds impossible right now. It will feel so good I still get that dopamine hit every time I make a little chip away at my security dogespan: Leave a comment. Let us know that you did it and we will praise you. offsetkeyz: We will we will I'll make a freaking whole podcast episode about you Dude, I was talking to my parents this week. Shout out to my parents my dad Unprompted made his first passkey for Amazon. dogespan: Oh, offsetkeyz: Yeah. and my dad is an electrical engineer and he actually informed me that he has some patents in encryption algorithms. And so I said, dad, I don't know how passkeys work. I spent two hours banging my head against the desk trying to figure it out. So if you figure it out, I'm bringing you on the podcast. You get to explain it to my listeners. So, really excited. You guys get to meet my dad, but he was so excited when he enabled his passkey and you too can share that joy. So yeah, to bring it back to the Microsoft thing, and I don't want to make this an ethics podcast per se, but it is always So it ignites fire within both me and DogeSpan, uh, just personal security and how easy it actually is, not to shame you by any means, but you can take certain easy steps to drastically improve your security. But Microsoft here is doing exactly what we were preaching in the previous segment, which is reporting things. They're doing a great job. They're saying they messed up and, hey, we're kind of on board. We're like, wow, great. Thank you so much. It's when. It's when companies try to hide it, like LastPass, for example. Um, I was a diehard LastPass user and hey, LastPass is better than nothing, even still, but it was really the fact that they hid their breach and tried to downplay their breach that ultimately got me to switch off of LastPass. I think their service now is great. It's fine. I would trust it a lot. So if you have LastPass, great. But it's ultimately. the way that LastPass makes you feel. Like, no more warm fuzzies. More like cold sharpies. You know, it's just stabbing me when I think about LastPass. So, good on Microsoft for just reporting and continuing to uncover new things, and we can all learn something from them. I dogespan: close to a month now, about how consumers are actually taking that into consideration more and more. Where I was under the impression that it was just us tech nerds that were looking at it and going, ew, you got a, you got a breach and you didn't handle it poorly, but more consumers are looking at that and everybody is going to get hacked. If you haven't been hacked yet, you just don't know it. It has happened. Own up to it, it's fine. Handle it well. Go the appropriate steps. offsetkeyz: mean, this story is evidence of that more than anything, that Microsoft just got hacked. I mean, they, they made the, they made the first computer. They made the internet. So yeah, no shame, especially nowadays when the weekly breaches are, it's a very long list of breaches out there. I like this article from the Hacker News. Another great thing is it has a section titled defend against password spray attacks. and it has four actionable steps. I'm surprised multi factor authentication isn't the first one. Should be the first one. but if you're in an organization and you have access to the Active Directory domain controller or admin rights there, you can run password audits. Have any of the passwords for any account on your Active Directory shown up on the dark web? there's search engines that just list passwords on the dark web. There's search engines that list email addresses, which is probably more applicable for the day to day user, but you can just, yeah, search. I think it's even Have I Been Pwned. Like they have a password search feature and Have I Been Pwned has an API, so you can set up using an API and automate it. but that's something I haven't considered. is just audits. That could have saved it if they're unwilling to enable multi factor authentication. Multi factor authentication, we talk about it like it's a, like a silver bullet, but it is susceptible to attacks too, especially MFA bombing or MFA fatigue. The weakest link in anything, in anything security is the human element. So even if you have enabled MFA, You can still do these password audits. You can only secure yourself more. So yeah, that's, those are just some of the action items you can take either as an individual or as a corporation. And yeah, the point of bringing this up was just to kind of recap on this big attack and have a discussion. So, got anything else for us dogespan? dogespan: No. Get a password manager. offsetkeyz: And as always, get a password manager. I'm gonna, it's like a drinking game around my house. How many times do I say password manager in a night? And I'm heading to a bar after this where you better believe I will be talking about password managers. [00:24:57] Closing Thoughts & Thanks offsetkeyz: But that's all we got for you today. Thanks so much to Dogespan for coming back. We've missed you. Our editing software has missed you and we hope you'll be more of a frequent guest. Oh, he's back, baby. And I hope your work or organization place where you work lets you have Friday off like mine does. Uh, so TBD, if we'll have an episode tomorrow, probably because I'm an addict, but if we don't have a great weekend, we'll talk to you later.

Check out the latest episode of "Hire Learning" where host Oz Rashid sits down with Kevin Salinas, VP of Finance at Lumen Technologies, who shares his remarkable journey of staying and thriving at one company through multiple acquisitions spanning over 20 years.Kevin's insights on leadership, hiring strategies, and financial best practices are not to be missed.Join us for an enlightening conversation that will inspire and educate!#HireLearning #Podcast #Recruitment #Hiring #Leadership #Finance #CareerJourney #BusinessInsights #ProfessionalDevelopment

Pinnacle AI: Modernizing Cloud Infrastructure and Optimizing Business Systems pinnacleai.net Show Notes About the Guest(s): John Julia Sr. is the Senior Vice President of Sales at Pinnacle AI, a company that specializes in creating proprietary and custom solutions designed around machine learning and generative AI. With over 35 years of experience as a successful businessman and corporate executive, John has a track record of helping companies navigate the technology landscape and drive digital transformation. Prior to joining Pinnacle AI, he served in various account executive and sales leadership roles in the telecommunications and information technology industry with companies such as Verizon and Lumen Technologies. Episode Summary: In this episode of The Chris Vos Show, host Chris Voss interviews John Julia Sr., the Senior Vice President of Sales at Pinnacle AI. They discuss the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modernizing and optimizing business systems and processes. John introduces Pinnacle AI's flagship product, Comm AI, which is designed to help companies modernize their cloud infrastructure and reduce costs. He explains how the tool uses AI and machine learning to analyze a customer's current cloud infrastructure and make recommendations on the products and services that should be used. John also shares insights on the ethical use of AI and the potential impact of AI on society. Key Takeaways: Pinnacle AI's flagship product, Comm AI, helps companies modernize their cloud infrastructure and reduce costs by providing recommendations on the products and services that should be used. AI has the potential to transform various aspects of businesses, from natural language processing and intelligent conversational chatbots to document writing and education. The affordability and ease of deployment of AI technology have made it accessible to a wider range of businesses, not just Fortune 100 companies. The ethical use of AI is a crucial consideration, as with any transformative technology, and there is a need to address data privacy and security concerns. AI has the power to improve business functions, increase efficiency, and drive digital transformation, but it also presents challenges and risks that need to be managed responsibly. Notable Quotes: "Technology is a great equalizer for business. It can take a one or two-person company and make them look and act like a Fortune 100 company." - John Julia Sr. "With great power comes great responsibility. AI represents both great potential for good and the risk of misuse." - John Julia Sr.

Episode sponsors: Binarly, the supply chain security experts (https://binarly.io) FwHunt (https://fwhunt.run) Danny Adamitis is a principal information security engineer at Black Lotus Labs, the threat research division within Lumen Technologies. On this episode of the show, we discuss his team's recent discovery of an impossible-to-kill botnet packed with end-of-life SOHO routers serving as a covert data transfer network for Volt Typhoon, a Chinese government-backed hacking group previously caught targeting US critical infrastructure. Danny digs into the inner workings of the botnet, the global problem end-of-life devices becoming useful tools for malicious actors, and the things network defenders can do today to mitigate threats at this layer.

In this episode of The Cybersecurity Defenders Podcast, we discuss some cutting-edge intel coming out of LimaCharlie's community Slack channel.Sonar Source are reporting on a few vulnerabilities they have found in pfSense.eSentire's Threat Response Unit launched a multi-pronged offensive against the Gootloader Initial Access-as-a-Service Operation. ESET researchers documented a series of new OilRig downloaders, all relying on legitimate cloud service providers for command and control communications.The Black Lotus Labs team at Lumen Technologies is tracking a small or home office router botnet that forms a covert data transfer network for advanced threat actors. You can make a donation in support of ending domestic violence through Cybersecurity Cares.

Lumen Technologies' Senior Director of Product Management & Practices, Wai Kit Cheah, joins Coruzant Technologies for the Digital Executive podcast.  Wai Kit, with his three-decade experience in cybersecurity and digital transformation, delves into the essence of his career success. He describes himself as a 'fixer' and a problem-solver, deriving satisfaction from resolving challenges and alleviating others' concerns.Addressing cloud migration, Wai Kit advises against simply transferring 'technical debts' or legacy systems to the cloud. He emphasizes the importance of rearchitecting and replatforming to truly benefit from cloud technologies. The discussion then shifts to cybersecurity in the age of hybrid and remote work. Wai Kit highlights the expanded attack surface due to dispersed work environments and underscores the adoption of Zero Trust network architecture to ensure secure access to data and services.Lastly, Wai Kit touches on the role of Generative AI (Gen AI) in contemporary technology stacks. He advocates for a nuanced understanding of AI, distinguishing between automation and specific AI use cases. His focus is on aligning business processes with technological advancements, ensuring ethical and secure applications of AI. Wai Kit's insights provide a comprehensive view of integrating emerging technologies into business strategies.

FULL SHOW NOTES https://podcast.nz365guy.com/487 Wouldn't you want to hear how the global Power Platform Lead at a leading tech company views the future of AI and low-code technology? Andrew Gaskins from Lumen Technologies, our guest for this episode, is here to provide some compelling insights. As he shares tales of tremendous growth in the Power Platform and success stories of automation, chatbots, and apps, you won't be able to stifle your curiosity about what's to come in the tech world. As we dive into the responsibility of today's employees to familiarize themselves with AI and other emerging technologies, you'll get a sense of how to stay competitive in the ever-evolving job market.Onboarding new users to a platform can be a daunting task. Listen as Andrew unravels the mystery of easing newcomers into the Power Platform at Luma Technologies. He talks about adapting the 'driver's license' mentality to include more technical projects and processes, and the strategies they've put in place to make the onboarding process as smooth as possible. From their environment strategy and maturity model to their dev environments, Andrew gives us a peek behind the curtain of Luma's training and resources. What's more, we delve into the idea of granting access to the stack and the leader role, providing a comprehensive view of the onboarding process.As if that's not enough, we navigate the potential of the Power Platform and its ability to help organizations with data governance. Imagine the benefits of cataloguing and tagging data and having it accessible to the right people at the right time! Andrew gets us excited about the future of low-code and no-code solutions and how AI can turbocharge the development process. As we explore our responsibilities when working with data, we glimpse the importance of understanding our domains. Andrew's vision for the next 12 to 24 months will keep you on the edge of your seat, particularly his predictions for the maker community. Join us on this exciting journey into the future of technology.AgileXRM AgileXRm - The integrated BPM for Microsoft Power PlatformSupport the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening

Today, I have the pleasure of conversing with Kate Johnson, the CEO of Lumen Technologies. Known for her transformative leadership and her ability to drive change, Johnson has been instrumental in reshaping the corporate culture at Lumen. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as the president of Microsoft in the United States, and her insights are sure to inspire. In our conversation today, we delve into the heart of corporate culture transformation and the role of leadership in this process. While we have previously discussed her journey at Microsoft, today our focus is on extracting key insights from Johnson's profound understanding of the business landscape and her analysis of the latest happenings at Lumen. From the importance of a clear mission and assembling the right leadership team, as highlighted in her transformation strategy at Lumen, to the shift in mindset required for a company to succeed, we cover several important topics. You can subscribe to Apple Podcasts for ad-free listening, weekly bonus episodes, and early access to new episodes. __________________ This episode is sponsored by: AvePoint Rapidly reduce costs, improve productivity and make more informed business decisions with AvePoint. With the most advanced platform to optimize SaaS operations and secure collaboration, AvePoint helps you transform your digital workplace and collaborate with confidence. To get started, go to www.avepoint.com and learn how you can advance your digital workplace today. __________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Crystal Woodard is an accomplished Director of Enterprise UX Design & Research at Lumen Technologies, leading a global, multi-disciplinary team of product designers and UX researchers. Using her robust user experience design and research background, Crystal is helping Lumen deliver valuable experiences supporting buying and management tasks for telecom and technology products and services. Crystal has established and implemented design and research best practices within several organizations. At Lumen, she developed a career ladder framework that supports the growth and development of her team members, resulting in multiple promotions for existing teammates. She also established a research practice that provides valuable insights and conducted numerous tactical and strategic research studies. Crystal led her team in introducing a fully digital buying experience for telecom professionals, resulting in improved user satisfaction, reduced task completion time, and increased lead generation for Sales. In addition to her professional achievements, Crystal has a range of interests and hobbies. She enjoys traveling, binge-watching series on Netflix, being a dog mom to her Shepsky, redecorating her house, going on random weekend road trips, trying new restaurants with friends, and keeping up with her favorite blogs.

A Fortune 250 CEO and one of America's leading women in technology, Kate Johnson is the CEO of Lumen Technologies, where she leads nearly 30,000 employees and a company that generated nearly $20 billion last year. Kate joins Adam to share her journey and best lessons and advice. Kate and Adam discuss leadership, transformation, building winning teams and cultures, personal and professional development, diversity and inclusion, and more.