Podcasts about Vendor

The episode reveals a structural shift away from indiscriminate adoption of AI tools toward targeted deployment based on business needs within the MSP sector. According to Uptime Global, a channel-only outsourcing provider, premature or hype-driven implementation of AI frequently results in incomplete projects and missed operational gains. The review of AI execution within MSP ticketing environments shows that sustainable value emerges when organizations align AI initiatives with clearly identified business issues, rather than searching for use cases to justify a technology already acquired. Concrete evidence from Uptime Global's experience indicates that approximately 25% of their MSP partners have deployed notable AI solutions beyond ticket triage functions in the past 18 months, according to Jason Kemsley, Chief Revenue Officer. Outcomes vary: roughly half saw ticket volume reductions of 10–25%, while the remainder experienced limited value or customer dissatisfaction tied to inadequate human involvement in support processes. Uptime's operational model uses a confidence threshold for AI-driven actions, where only outputs above 98% confidence automatically execute—mirroring human engineer accuracy rates—and anything below triggers human review. Supporting developments further highlight the shift's operational impact. Uptime Global has eliminated dedicated triage and dispatch roles due to increased AI efficiency, resulting in a role blend where “first responders” now handle both traditional triage and basic technical support tasks within set time limits . The company's pricing structure is affected by AI efficiency, creating margin pressure as contract models based on per-ticket or per-device pricing are exposed to declining ticket volume and shifting customer expectations around service value and outcomes. For MSPs and IT service providers, the operational implications center on increased pricing pressure, the erosion of certain labor-based roles, and the requirement to redesign governance and accountability models to accommodate both automated and human ticket outcomes. Vendor dependency grows as MSPs rely on AI-driven platforms to triage, allocate, and resolve tickets, increasing exposure to platform-specific risks and necessitating clear thresholds for AI confidence and human intervention. Contract structures that do not account for dynamic efficiency gains may create pricing misalignment and customer dissatisfaction over time, emphasizing the need for providers to actively manage and transparently communicate both the tradeoffs and limits of AI-enabled support. Supported by:ProofpointScalePad

Join this channel to get access to perks - custom emojis, member lives, and access to the auction listings: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJoP2q6P8mWkBUMn45pgyAA/join Jessica Hare - Hare Hollow Farm - Altus, OK Harehollowfarm.com Morph Market - https://www.morphmarket.com/stores/hare_hollow_farm/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Hare-Hollow-Farm-113861266980541 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hare_hollow_farm/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@unmeinohi

The core structural shift highlighted is the disconnect between service reliability gains from AI automation and readiness for strategic change among IT service providers and their clients. Reports from SolarWinds, Corsica Technologies, and Deloitte reveal that AI is delivering measurable productivity benefits, but those time savings are consumed by ongoing reliability work rather than being directed toward governance, process redesign, or workforce adaptation. This leaves most organizations with improved operations but unprepared to leverage AI for broader business transformation, creating a gap between what clients say they want and what providers are set up to deliver. SolarWinds' 2026 State of ITSM report found that 84% of IT teams report AI meeting or exceeding their return on investment expectations, with teams recovering roughly three hours per week in several core areas, such as issue detection and ticket triage. However, almost the same amount of capacity is then redirected to keeping those new AI systems running—83% of teams spend three or more hours weekly maintaining AI reliability. Simultaneously, Corsica Technologies' Censuswide research among 600 IT and security leaders at U.S. mid-sized businesses found that 96% claim to trust their MSP, yet two-thirds are considering switching within 12 months, citing limited AI or automation support as one of the top reasons. Additional research contextualizes the readiness gap. According to a PwC survey, only 5% of organizations report their business processes as highly prepared for AI agents, and a Cloudera study found that 95% of large companies delayed or canceled at least one AI project in the past year due to governance, compliance, or regulatory concerns. The episode also notes a public sentiment shift, citing a Pew Research poll in which over half of American adults express more concern than excitement about AI—a trend particularly strong among people under 30. Vendor product launches from companies like Kaseya and Syncro are described as offering only superficial differentiation in this environment. For MSPs and IT leaders, this dynamic presents operational risks. The default allocation of AI-driven productivity gains toward reliability tasks undermines investment in strategic readiness, reinforcing dependence on vendor offerings without improving meaningful differentiation. Most clients lack a specific benchmark for “AI readiness,” creating an open but temporary competitive opportunity for providers willing to define and document it for them. However, unless time and resources are explicitly earmarked for readiness activities—in governance, process adaptation, and client education—MSPs risk being evaluated on ill-defined criteria or commoditized platforms, increasing contract risk and exposing gaps in internal accountability. 00:00 The Two Numbers Don't Fit  04:52 Only One Half Can Take the Hours  08:02 Everyone Buys the Same Platform 11:20 Why Do We Care?  Supported by:  Pax8 TimeZest 

Rob Whiting is the co-founder and CEO of Boom, a proptech company building the future of rental financial services for residential property managers across single-family rental, manufactured housing and multifamily. Boom's three products — Boom Report for rent reporting, Boom Screen for applicant underwriting, and Boom CRM for agentic leasing and self-showing — serve hundreds of thousands of doors and count American Homes 4 Rent and Manage America among their key partners. Before Boom, Rob founded ventures in healthcare and education, including Haystack Health, a telemedicine company, and a financial aid organization focused on FAFSA access. Rob is based in Austin, Texas.(02:55) Why Rob built Boom(05:44) The ROAD to Housing Act, explained(07:11) The 350-home cap & how institutions keep buying(14:01) Rent reporting as a compliance path(16:09) What Boom does & who it serves(17:44) Is screening a commodity? Data quality & hit logic(21:51) How to evaluate a tenant screening vendor(25:47) How the ManageAmerica partnership came together(30:00) Lessons from partnering with AMH Homes(32:48) Closing the leasing stack gap with Boom CRM(35:52) Coexisting with Yardi, RealPage, & AppFolio(37:40) Collaboration Superpower: Daniel Ek

The episode highlights the structural shift toward platform consolidation in security services, illustrated by Coro's unified security platform and its positioning for lean IT teams and MSPs. The mechanism involves the bundling of diverse security tools—email protection, endpoint detection and response (EDR), DLP, security awareness, backup, and cloud app integrations—into a single, managed service. This reduces the operational overhead associated with managing multiple vendors, products, and contracts, a trend now pursued by both established enterprise providers and emergent channel-focused companies. The most significant development cited is Coro's integration of AI and automation within its platform, claiming, according to the company, that 92% to 96% of alert tickets generated by security modules are closed automatically by machine intelligence, depending on the month. The conversational AI integrations such as ChatGPT and Claude are presented as front-end layers through which practitioners can execute mundane security tasks—ticket management, host isolation, incident correlation—without direct console interaction. The claim of offloading 95% of workloads to automation is specified as relating to ticket processing volume, as clarified in the discussion. Supporting evidence centers on the operational layering of AI, with commentary on new risk profiles introduced by integrating large language models (LLMs) into security workflows. Concerns raised include rising exposure to prompt injection, shadow AI (untracked AI usage by end users), and unmanaged cost escalation linked to token-based billing models for third-party AI platforms. Coro's approach distinguishes between AI-related costs incurred internally (absorbed by the vendor) and those incurred when practitioners interact with external AI tools (borne by the MSP or their clients). The need for visibility into AI usage and structured user training is highlighted as a risk mitigation measure. Operationally, MSPs and IT providers face both increased efficiency and new complexity. Vendor dependency consolidates, reducing contract sprawl and administrative burden but raising questions about single-point-of-failure and stack lock-in. Billing risk shifts with AI consumption models, introducing liability for unexpected operational cost surges if token limits are not enforced. The requirement for effective governance intensifies as traditional security controls are extended by AI-managed processes and the detection of unauthorized AI activity becomes part of standard oversight. Providers are advised to scrutinize stack overlap, evaluate whether platform consolidation minimizes genuine operational friction, and remain cautious about over-relying on automated outcomes without maintaining direct accountability. Supported by: Pax8Proofpoint  

The episode identifies a structural shift within the IT services market, highlighting a bifurcation between two distinct economic models in the channel: the advisory economy, paid upfront for transformation and integration, and the operational economy, paid on the backend for managed outcomes and recurring support. Techaisle's 2026 Global Channel Partners Survey, referenced by Anurag Agrawal, underscores that most vendors operate single partner programs that implicitly favor one of these models, often without recognizing the divergence. This mechanism exposes gaps in vendor strategies and underscores uneven access to resources and incentives across partner segments. Data from Techaisle's study involving 5,450 partner firms in 24 countries illustrates the impact of these structural choices. Firms under $10 million in revenue project just 8.4% growth, while partners over $500 million forecast 16.8% growth, with 41% of the largest landing in top-tier vendor programs versus only 2% of smaller firms. Anurag Agrawal contends that allocation decisions—such as capital, leads, and support—by vendors drive part of this gap, independently of partner capabilities. The allocation process forms a closed loop, where larger partners consistently receive and convert the best leads, reinforcing their tier status. Furthermore, most vendor incentive spend lands at deal close, benefiting partners focused on new transactions over those delivering ongoing operational value. Supporting developments include evidence that smaller MSPs face higher customer acquisition costs (absorbing 31% of first-year deal value for contracts under $25,000) and operate with little error margin, as opposed to larger firms with more resilient economics. The transcript points out that tier progression within most vendor programs primarily reflects transaction volume and headcount, not actual customer outcomes or quality—making tiers unreliable as indicators of partner value. Additionally, practical AI deployments are now accelerating infrastructure refresh cycles and shifting the center of gravity for services revenue from break-fix to consulting and integration, further complicating the operational landscape for SMB-focused providers. For MSPs and IT service leaders, these findings imply increased dependency on vendor program design and expose operational risk due to imbalanced allocation of leads and support. Smaller providers should expect continued pressure on margins and incentives unless vendors alter their models to recognize operational contributions beyond new logo acquisition. Specialization—vertical or workload-focused—is suggested as a cost-control mechanism, while pricing and packaging transformation work around a recurring services base could mitigate risk. Governance challenges posed by AI adoption, such as managing large numbers of intelligent agents, call for enhanced identity, entitlement, and monitoring capabilities as table stakes for ongoing operational relevance. Supported by: ScalePadProofpoint

When a channel gets regulated, the money does not disappear. It moves. And it has been moving a while now: pharma investment in out of home advertising rose more than sixfold between 2016 and 2024, according to OAAA figures shared with Fierce Pharma. The FDA is rewriting the rules on broadcast drug ads and has told drug sponsors that deceptive advertising has become the norm on social platforms. Billboards, meanwhile, are being sold to healthcare marketers as stable, trusted and brand safe. Chris Boyer and Reed Smith spend this episode on the question hiding inside that pitch. Is out of home actually safe, or is it just unexamined? Those are not the same thing, and only one of them lasts. What most marketing teams have not caught up to is what happened to the channel itself while nobody was watching it. A billboard can now be selected based on the health profile of the few blocks around it, using disease prevalence data mapped to inventory at a precision that would trigger a privacy review in any other channel your team buys. Reed calls it a data story wearing a billboard costume. Once you hear it that way, the brand safe framing starts to sound less like a description and more like a countdown. Then the conversation goes back to 1971, when cigarette ads were pushed off television and radio. The tobacco industry did not cut its budget. It relocated, immediately and measurably, into magazines and event sponsorship. Regulation eventually followed the money into those channels too, but the gap between the money arriving and the rules arriving was long enough to build an entire era of marketing on top of. Chris and Reed work out how long that gap might run this time. They do not land in the same place. The last stretch is for health system marketers specifically, who carry none of pharma's drug claims exposure and every temptation to copy pharma's response anyway. Chris and Reed close on concrete actions worth taking this quarter, starting with a question almost nobody has asked their media buyer, and a category of community partnership that does not look like advertising at all until you check what sits behind it. If your out of home campaigns skip the review your search and social campaigns already get, ask whether that is a judgment about the data or only about the format. Mentions from the Show: Healthcare's Long Walk Toward the Patient, the free eBook marking 500 episodes: https://www.touchpointpodcastbook.com Fierce Pharma, 2026 forecast on pharma ad dollars shifting away from traditional TV, citing OAAA data on the sixfold rise in pharma OOH investment 2016 to 2024. OAAA is the OOH industry trade association: https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/2026-forecast-pharma-ad-dollars-will-continue-shifting-away-traditional-tv FDA, Launches Crackdown on Deceptive Drug Advertising, September 9 2025: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-launches-crackdown-deceptive-drug-advertising OptimizeRx and Lamar Advertising partnership announcement, ZIP+4 mapping against Micro-Neighborhood Targeting disease prevalence data, September 9 2025. Vendor announcement, labeled as such: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/09/09/3147336/0/en/OptimizeRx-Partners-with-Lamar-Advertising-to-Reach-Clinically-Relevant-Audiences-Through-Out-of-Home-Healthcare-Advertising.html Warner KE, Goldenhar LM, The cigarette advertising broadcast ban and magazine coverage of smoking and health, Journal of Public Health Policy, 1989: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2715337/ Trends in Cigarette Marketing Expenditures 1975 to 2019, analysis of FTC Cigarette Reports, covering the post-1971 shift into unrestricted channels and the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement billboard and transit prohibition: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9048889/ World Out of Home Organization, Global Out of Home Expenditure Report 2026: https://www.worldooh.org/news/woo-global-ooh-expenditure-report-2026 OAAA, Out of Home Advertising Revenue Reaches Record $9.46 Billion, March 2026. Industry trade association: https://oaaa.org/news/out-of-home-advertising-revenue-reaches-record-9-46-billion/ Edelman Trust Barometer: https://www.edelman.com/trust/2026/trust-barometer TP472, "Reputation as a Signal, Not a Score," on declining institutional trust in healthcare TP429, "Are We Wasting Our Digital Media Spend?" on where healthcare media dollars actually go Reed Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reedtsmith/ Chris Boyer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisboyer/ Chris Boyer website: http://www.christopherboyer.com/ Chris Boyer on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/chrisboyer.bsky.social Reed Smith on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/reedsmith.bsky.social Recommendations from this episode: Chris: MuscleKit aluminum wall mounted anchor fitness system, 300 pound capacity, around $150 Reed: Nicpro 1.3mm mechanical pencil set, three pencils with black, red and yellow lead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The episode reveals a structural shift toward permission-based operational models, where access and capability are not determined by technical proficiency alone but by explicit, revocable permissions from state or corporate authorities. This model is illustrated by the recent U.S. federal initiative authorizing select private cybersecurity firms to conduct offensive operations against foreign criminal organizations—an approach that mirrors the historical "letter of marque" by granting a new legal status rather than developing new technologies. Parallel dynamics are visible in the IT service provider space, with vendors such as Microsoft moving to strictly time-bound, role-scoped delegated admin permissions that can be revoked or altered unilaterally. The most consequential development is the August 12 presidential memorandum authorizing private U.S. companies, under contract with the Department of Justice or Homeland Security, to perform cyber surveillance and effect operations against specified foreign criminal targets. Firms must pass technical, security, and personnel vetting, declare outside contracts, and post a $1 million bond forfeitable upon non-compliance. Every action requires written dual approval by program directors. Importantly, the legal basis relies not on statutory change but on an executive memorandum that grants a temporary agency status to participants, a mechanism untested in court and revocable with any change in administration. Related developments reinforce the thesis of permission-based dependency. Microsoft's overhaul of its partner governance—removing perpetual global admin rights in favor of time-limited, role-based permissions—has made MSPs' delivery capabilities contingent on timely recognition and acceptance of new terms set by Microsoft. Amid this, operational pressure is rising as AI-driven vulnerability finding systems, like those used by Microsoft and cataloged in the NIST National Vulnerability Database, are producing flaw volumes that outpace existing tracking infrastructure. Together, these shifts make permissions and vendor terms—not technical gaps—the central variable in the sustainability of service lines. For MSPs and IT leaders, the practical implications are clear: operational continuity is increasingly determined by upstream permissions and the specificity of contractual terms rather than local technical controls. Vendor dependence has expanded beyond product functionality to include granular, revocable access rights shaped by external schedules and policies. Effective risk management now requires tracking the origin, mechanism, and expiration of every operational permission, establishing owner accountability, and proactively reviewing vendor and governmental agreements. Organizations failing to systematize this will face unplanned service interruptions and remediation costs dictated by external authorities. 00:00 The Bond and the Vetting  04:31 Congress Grants Those 07:47 Whose Permission Are You On? 11:05 Why Do We Care?  Supported by:  ScalePad Proofpoint 

What To Do & When - Wedding Planning Step-by-Step 21 Wedding BUDGET SAVING Tips   YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/DnFi4IF0cA8   Want to ask Jamie your wedding planning questions?  Join her in The Master Plan! What did you think about this episode?  What were your takeaways?  I want to hear your feedback!  Screenshot the episode and post your thoughts on Instagram and tag us @wolferandco.  You can get your Perfect Wedding Timeline - HERE! Be sure to grab your Ultimate Wedding Day Checklist at https://www.wolferandco.com/engagechecklist You are also invited to join the Facebook Wedding Community she has created for y'all to support each other. ❤️ P.S. — These links may use affiliate platforms where commission may be earned based on clicks and/or purchases, and I would love it if you used them! It won't cost you anything extra, but affiliate links are RAD because they help creators like me to fund the free content we provide.

Join this channel to get access to perks - custom emojis, member lives, and access to the auction listings: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJoP2q6P8mWkBUMn45pgyAA/join   Jessica Hare - Hare Hollow Farm - Altus, OK Harehollowfarm.com Morph Market - https://www.morphmarket.com/stores/hare_hollow_farm/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Hare-Hollow-Farm-113861266980541 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hare_hollow_farm/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@unmeinohi

The episode highlights the shift toward AI-driven knowledge management within the MSP sector, revealing increased operational dependency on structured data and sophisticated integrations. Lexful, an AI-native documentation platform designed specifically for MSPs, represents this trend by positioning itself not as a simple add-on but as a replacement for legacy documentation tools—controlling critical record-keeping functions and interfacing with principal PSA and RMM systems. This development signals greater infrastructure dependence on AI-based documentation and the implications of technical integration across diverse operational tools. According to Lexful's CEO and statements made during the episode, the platform has completed integrations with major PSA and RMM tools and now handles data by employing a “context-engineered” large language model tailored specifically to the MSP context. Lexful claims its engine minimizes LLM hallucinations, supports record-level access control, and functions as a system of record rather than a direct action platform. Socializing its compliance trajectory, Lexful has achieved SOC 2 Type 2 and shipped its MCP server, but its listing in marketplaces like Pax8 and SureWeb has been delayed, with current status characterized as “coming soon” and full integration targeted before the end of 2026. Supporting developments underscore the complexity and risk of deploying AI-native platforms into MSP environments. The absence of public customer or partner counts persists, with the company attributing constrained accessibility to pending integrations rather than lack of market uptake. Pricing structures diverge from incumbents, moving from per-user to per-client models and establishing minimum contract terms—raising questions about justification of cost versus legacy alternatives. A key operational risk centers on access control and human-in-the-loop governance, with sensitive systems such as password vaults only accessible through layered permissions, and Lexful emphasizing the necessity of robust accountability frameworks to minimize harm from potential automation failures. Practical implications for MSPs include heightened need for rigorous governance of AI systems, especially around data access, role management, and auditability. Vendor dependency deepens as platforms like Lexful supplant multiple existing tools and drive uptake via deeper integration with distribution marketplaces and SaaS ecosystems. Pricing and contract structures require MSPs to reconsider value calculations, as cost is no longer purely user-driven but tied to client volume and operational breadth. The tradeoff is between purported efficiency gains from automation and the risk profile associated with delegating documentation and knowledge management to AI-based infrastructure, particularly as human oversight remains essential to mitigate errors and ensure regulatory compliance. Supported by: ScalePad

The highway is loud, the stakes are louder, and we still hit record. We're rolling south on I-90 in the Proud American Express, headed for the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, New York, and we're doing it on limited sleep, last-minute repairs, and sheer commitment to keep the podcast streak alive. If you've ever tried to build a small business while life keeps moving, you'll recognize every ounce of this pressure.We talk through the behind-the-scenes reality of preparing for a major vendor event: fixing a bus with expensive parts and tight timing, testing just enough to take the leap, and trusting the people who show up to help when the plan gets heavy. Then we get into the grind of inventory management for an apparel brand, including pushing hundreds of heat-pressed items into stock, launching new products, and trying to get everything organized before stepping onto the fairgrounds.But the real core is mindset. Vendor checklists, insurance requirements, sales tax certificates, tent rules, inspections, and potential fines can spiral into imposter syndrome fast, especially when you feel like you “mortgaged the farm” to take the shot. We say the quiet parts out loud, then walk through how we're handling the anxiety in real time: focusing on the next right step, leaning on faith, and choosing to grow through the stress instead of just going through it.If this hits home, subscribe, share the episode with a friend building something hard, and leave a review so more people can find these honest conversations. What's the biggest risk you're taking for your dream right now?If you found value in today's show please return the favor and leave a positive review and share it with someone important to you! https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/reviews/new/Find all you need to know about the show https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/Official Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077724159859Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/Loud Proud American Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoudproudamericanLoud Proud American Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loud_proud_american/Loud Proud American TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@loud_proud_americanLoud Proud American YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmYQtOt6KVURuySWYQ2GWtwThank you for Supporting My American Dream! 

The episode identifies an acute shift in liability and accountability across the software and AI supply chain, where risk increasingly moves from vendors to service providers and operators. This dynamic is illustrated through incomplete vendor patches, AI tool output, and changing regulatory structures. Companies like N-able experienced authentication bypass flaws in widely used remote monitoring platforms, while industry-standard software licenses continue to disclaim warranties and cap or exclude liability, leaving providers responsible for the consequences. A key development is N-able's N-central authentication flaw, wherein a patch issued for an earlier vulnerability proved incomplete according to the Federal Vulnerability Database, enabling attackers to exploit the same vector. The finalized fix arrived days after exploitation began, but all previous builds — including those labeled patched — remained exposed. Simultaneously, research from Anthropic and disclosures by OpenAI revealed AI models acting outside intended boundaries, with incident response often lagging behind real-world impact. Notably, neither affected vendor assumed material liability, and disclosure of the incidents was voluntary, not compelled by contract or regulation. Meanwhile, IBM's annual cost of data breach report found AI-driven attacks up 56% with average breach costs nearing $6M, further emphasizing financial exposure. These incidents exemplify a structural trend: vendors disclaim output, while client agreements with IT providers warrant monitoring, maintenance, and remediation, resulting in providers accepting risk not assumed upstream. Regulatory responses differ by geography — in the U.S., CISA's only binding obligation was for operators to remediate vulnerabilities by a set deadline, not for vendors to prevent or report them. The EU's forthcoming Cyber Resilience Act will require reporting of exploited vulnerabilities within 24 hours and is expanding product liability to software, but these rules benefit consumers and regulators rather than business buyers and still stop short of assigning financial obligations to vendors. The operational effect for MSPs and IT service providers is increased contract risk, as provider promises to clients typically outpace the limited, warranty-free commitments of vendors. The rate and scope of vulnerabilities, amplified by AI-driven development and remediation, add volume and complexity without increasing the rate of effective outcomes. Providers are advised to reconcile their own service agreements with the actual commitments of software suppliers, clarify for clients where their true responsibilities lie, and prepare for a procurement environment where scrutiny of vendor warranties becomes the norm rather than the exception. 00:00 The Ones Who Patched Got Hit 04:16 Sold As Is, All The Way Down 08:02 The Only Enforceable Promise 11:47 Why Do We Care?  Supported by:  Pax8 LogMeIn

In this episode of Unsecurity, Megan, Brad, Nathan, and Eric unpack the recent 60-day pause on CMMC Phase 2 requirements and what it really means for contractors and subcontractors.The conversation goes beyond the headline to explore the ongoing importance of self-attestation, the risks of false claims, and why compliance is still very much on the clock.The team also breaks down the real costs of becoming assessment-ready, from initial scoping and technical debt to policy work, evidence collection, and third-party assessments.Along the way, they explain why shortcuts and “easy button” solutions can create bigger problems later, and why due diligence matters when choosing a compliance partner.If your organization is weighing whether CMMC is worth the investment, this episode offers a grounded look at the business, security, and operational tradeoffs involved.Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more insightful episodes.#UnsecurityPodcast #Cybersecurity #FRSecure #MyTech #CMMC #DoWWe want to hear from you!Reach out at unsecurity@frsecure.com and follow us for more:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frsecure/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frsecureofficial/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frsecure/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/frsecure.bsky.socialAbout FRSecure:https://frsecure.com/FRSecure is a mission-driven information security consultancy headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Our team of experts is constantly developing solutions and training to assist clients in improving the measurable fundamentals of their information security programs. These fundamentals are lacking in our industry, and while progress is being made, we can't do it alone. Whether you're wondering where to start or looking for a team of experts to collaborate with you, we are ready to serve.

“The way the law is working — the Workday case is exhibit A here — is that vendors are going to be on the hook if their systems are producing biased outcomes. Period.”— Marc WeinsteinEpisode OverviewIn this episode I'm joined by Marc Weinstein, an attorney with 27+ years of practice focused on organizations that use tests to make high-stakes decisions about people — licensure, certification, admissions, and employment selection. His work centers on the legal rights of people impacted by AI systems and the organizations that use them.The legal ground under AI hiring is moving fast. In the past few months a state AI law got sued into a rewrite, a court handed down a ruling that shields bias audit data from view, and a new lawsuit opened a line of attack nobody was watching. If you buy, sell, or use AI hiring tools, this episode helps you stay on top of the shifting sands.Topics Discussed & Key Insights1. First, how to roll: governance before headlines.Marc's advice starts above the regulations. Your own governance is the key to successful risk mitigation. Get this part right and the rest gets much easier.* Before you track any law, ask why you want to use AI in the first place. If you have good answers, then ask how* Set principles for your organization — not for the whole world, for your organization. Let them drive your use cases, your vendor selection, and your evaluation criteria* Operate by them for real. A policy that lives on paper is worth nothing* Do this and you're already in compliance with most of the laws that could touch you. Everything below is what's shifting underneath that foundation2. Vendor liability is shifting fast — get ready now.For a long time, vendors selling hiring tools got a pass. How the customer used the tool was the customer's problem. That arrangement is breaking down.* In Mobley v. Workday, the court is letting claims proceed on the theory that the platform acts as an agent of its employer customers — which puts the same federal anti-discrimination laws that apply to employers on the platform* Plaintiffs go where the deep pockets are. Mega vendors like Workday and 8fold are the deep pockets* Employers are still independently on the hook. Vendor liability adds to yours, it doesn't replace it* Newer legislation points the same direction, and California's new regulations make bias testing itself evidence in court — more on that below* Since we recorded: the court refused to dismiss most of the remaining claims against Workday. The case keeps moving, and the core theory keeps surviving3. Bias audit data can be withheld — and that says a lot.A discovery ruling in the Workday case protected the company's bias testing data from the plaintiffs. Worth sitting with what that means.* The court held the data was privileged because lawyers curated it and the testing was done to provide legal advice — not for business use* Publicly advertising that you conduct bias testing did not waive the privilege* So the people alleging harm from the system may never see the data that would show whether the system harmed them* The bigger question: if the most important evidence about how these tools perform can be shielded, what does accountability actually look like? Proof may have to come from other directions4. There are new ways to hold these tools accountable.The Eightfold case shows creative lawyering finding routes into AI hiring that didn't exist a year ago.* The claim is built on the Fair Credit Reporting Act and privacy law — the argument is that AI-generated candidate scores are consumer reports, compiled without the required disclosures and consent* These theories don't require proving discrimination as a legal element, which makes them easier cases to bring* The target hasn't changed. It's still about how these tools treat people. There are just more ways to get there now5. Colorado is the cautionary tale: get aggressive, get crushed.Colorado passed the most rigorous state AI law in the country — mandatory risk management, impact assessments, a real duty of care. Then it got taken apart.* xAI sued to block the law. The DOJ intervened on xAI's side — the first time the federal government moved to invalidate a state AI law* The legislature rewrote the law under pressure. The replacement is a notice-and-transparency framework, delayed to January 2027* The lesson for everyone else: states that regulate AI aggressively are going to get sued by the federal government and the private sector. Plan around that reality6. Meanwhile, California quietly became the strictest.While everyone watched Colorado, California put real requirements on the books — and nobody has sued to stop them.* Under the FEHA regulations, conducting a documented bias test supports an employer's defense in discrimination litigation. Not conducting one supports the plaintiff. Records must be kept four years* The privacy agency's automated decision-making rules take effect January 2027: pre-use notice to applicants and employees, opt-out rights, and the right to demand how a system reached a decision about you* That last one matters. Can anyone actually explain how a frontier AI model reached its decision? For most of these tools, the honest answer is noFinal TakeawayThe laws will keep shifting. Colorado got rewritten, California's deadlines are coming, and the courts are redrawing vendor liability case by case. You can't chase all of it. Build the governance foundation, make vendors show you their evidence — your data, not just their study — and treat every recommendation a machine makes as the decision it really is. Good governance gets you more than 90% of the way there, as long as it's not just lip service. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charleshandler.substack.com

Executive Summary Jared sits down with Carly Savar, general counsel at Steno, to unpack what actually happens when a law firm signs up with an AI vendor. Carly explains why reading the fine print matters more than any feature list, and what separates a vendor you can trust from one that's just telling you what you want to hear. Key Takeaways Read the actual data processing agreement yourself. Don't assume a vendor's security is handled just because they signed a service level agreement. Push for a zero-day retention agreement, and ask about the LLMs your vendor is built on, not just the vendor itself. SOC 2 Type 2 certification means a company's controls held up over a full year. SOC 2 Type 1 only proves a single snapshot in time. Not all training is created equal. Aggregated usage data is usually fine. Your client's confidential content should never go into a model. New billing ethics guidance says you can only charge for the time you actually spent, not the time an AI tool saved you. About the Guest Carly Savar is general counsel at Steno, a litigation support and court reporting technology company. She spent years litigating before founding her own legal recruiting company and eventually moving in-house. Carly now negotiates AI and data agreements from both sides of the table, as counsel to a legal tech vendor and as a buyer evaluating other vendors herself. Links and Resources Steno: steno.com Red Cave Law Firm Consulting: redcavelegal.com Keywords legal tech, legal technology, AI for lawyers, AI vendor vetting, legal AI vendor contracts, data security for law firms, zero-day retention agreement, SOC 2 Type 2, SOC 2 certification, ISO 27001, shadow AI, in-house counsel, legal tech general counsel, court reporting technology, Steno, AI training data, law firm AI policy, small law firm technology, technology competence rule, Red Cave Law Firm Consulting Episode Chapters 00:00:00 Cold open and show intro 00:02:00 Meet Carly Savar and the vexing AI vendor problem 00:03:00 Zero-day retention and why training on your data is the real risk 00:06:00 What to actually ask vendors before you sign 00:08:00 SOC 2 Type 1 vs Type 2 and other certifications 00:10:00 Life as GC inside a legal tech vendor 00:13:00 Clients who want cool tech vs clients who ask the right questions 00:15:00 Not all training is created equal 00:16:00 Keeping up with shifting ethics rules and regulations 00:18:00 Tech competence and billing for time spent, not time saved 00:22:00 Advice for lawyers going in-house at startups 00:24:00 Carly's path into law and out of Big Law litigation 00:27:00 Finding Steno and the frog-in-water approach to tech adoption 00:33:00 Going to law school too soon and learning to fail 00:37:00 Women in legal tech today 00:39:00 Wrap-up and where to find Carly and Steno  

In this episode of The IT Experts Podcast, I sit down with Gemma Telford from the Archer Agency to unpack one of the most underused resources available to growing MSPs, vendor Marketing Development Funds, or MDF. With two decades of experience across tech marketing, including roles at Ingram Micro, Sage and Palo Alto Networks, Gemma Telford brings a rare view from both sides of the channel, having worked with vendors, distributors and partners alike.    We open with a wider discussion on why so many MSP owners struggle to embrace marketing in the first place. Many of us built our businesses on technical strength rather than promotional confidence, and Gemma and I agree that the answer often lies in reframing marketing as simply clear messaging about how you help people, rather than something big or intimidating. Bringing in dedicated marketing support, rather than expecting founders or inexperienced hires to carry the whole function, is one of the most reliable paths to sustainable growth.     From there, we move into the heart of the episode, MDF itself. Gemma Telford explains that marketing development funds sit within a vendor's budget specifically to help partners sell more of their products and services. Despite the funds being widely available, research referenced in the episode suggests that around sixty percent of MDF goes unused every quarter. The reasons are practical rather than mysterious. Vendors often allocate funding to whoever asks loudest, application processes can be convoluted, and many MSPs simply are not aware the money exists or how to access it.    A significant part of our conversation focuses on the mismatch between vendor expectations and MSP realities. Vendors frequently want to see leads or return on investment within a single quarter, which rarely reflects how MSP sales cycles actually work. Gemma Telford shares an encouraging example of an ERP vendor taking a longer-term view, building multiyear plans with partners and trusting that results will follow, even if not immediately. This kind of collaborative thinking, she suggests, is exactly what more vendors need to adopt.    Practical advice runs throughout the episode. Rather than approaching every vendor at once, Gemma recommends we choose one vendor to start with, ideally one connected to a business goal such as growth in a particular sector or vertical. From there, building a genuine plan, complete with revenue targets and a proposed timeline, gives vendors something concrete to support rather than a vague request for cash. Case studies and proof points are also flagged as powerful tools, since vendors are always seeking evidence that their products deliver real results for real customers.    We also touch on the importance of relationships within the channel. Strong connections with account managers and channel teams can open doors that generic outreach never will, and we both agree that treating vendor partnerships as a genuine collaboration, rather than a transactional exchange, tends to produce the best long-term outcomes.    Towards the end of the episode, Gemma Telford sets out three changes that would make MDF programmes work better for everyone. Vendors moving away from rigid quarterly ROI expectations, supporting partners to build their own plans rather than being overly prescriptive, and simplifying the application process so partners are not discouraged before they even begin. For any MSP wondering where to start, my advice is refreshingly simple, get a plan in place, understand your specialisms and messaging, and proactively approach your vendors rather than waiting to be noticed.    This episode is a valuable listen for any MSP owner who has heard of MDF but never quite understood how to access it, or for those keen to strengthen their vendor relationships and unlock funding that is often sitting untouched.    You can connect with Gemma Telford on LinkedIn or find out more about her work at the Archer Agency.   Make sure to check out our Ultimate MSP Growth Guide, a free guide that walks you through a proven process to take your MSP from stuck to scalable, without working even more hours. It's 44 pages rammed with advice, insights and inspiration to help you decide what support is available to you now if you want to grow and scale your business. Click HERE to get your copy.    Connect on LinkedIn HERE with Ian and also with Stuart by clicking this LINK    And when you're ready to take the next step in growing your MSP, come and take the Scale with Confidence MSP Mastery Quiz. In just three minutes, you'll get a 360-degree scan of your MSP and identify the one or two tactics that could help you find more time, engage & align your people and generate more leads.    If you're serious about growth and want to explore what this could look like for your MSP, you can book a Right Fit Clarity Call with us HERE.  OR   To join our amazing Facebook Group of over 400 MSPs where we are helping you Scale Up with Confidence, then click HERE  Until next time, look after yourself and I'll catch up with you soon!

How well is your interior design inquiry form actually qualifying potential clients? In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca explore how budget dropdowns, minimum project investments, investment guides, and consultations can shape the quality of your leads. They discuss the tension between filtering out unqualified inquiries and educating promising clients who have the money to invest but do not yet understand what furnishing and renovation projects cost.They also unpack a viral designer post announcing a public “breakup” with furniture vendor Four Hands. The conversation expands into vendor relationships, furniture damage claims, buying power, client-facing marketing, rage bait, and whether interior designers should use their business accounts to educate other designers. Plus, they share a tariff-refund surprise, debate realistic measurement tolerances, and offer a quick update from Las Vegas Market.In this episode they discuss:How budget ranges on an interior design inquiry form can attract, qualify, or accidentally discourage potential clientsWhy some high-value clients need pricing education before they are ready to commit to a six-figure design investmentUsing consultations, investment guides, and automated responses to create different paths for different types of leadsWhen a high closing rate may signal that it is time to raise your design fees, expand your team, or increase your project minimumsWhy designers should regularly audit their inquiry process, website links, lead data, and client experienceThe risks of publicly criticizing a furniture vendor on a client-facing interior design accountHow designer education and coaching content can confuse potential clients when it is mixed into a residential design firm's marketingVendor buying power, damaged furniture, tariff refunds, realistic site-measurement tolerances, and the changing Las Vegas Market experienceOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca's InstagramShaun's InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

AVNs are often treated as annual tactical negotiations. Why do you believe they should be approached as a long-term strategic lever instead, and what are the most common profitability leaks you see during these negotiations?How far in advance should vendors realistically begin preparing for AVNs, and what does best-in-class preparation actually look like?Where do vendors unknowingly give up leverage in negotiations with Amazon, and how can they shift from defensive positioning to negotiating from strength?What signals should leadership teams watch for that indicate structural margin erosion is coming in their Amazon relationship?Looking back at your work advising more than 200 global brands, what moments in your journey most shaped the way you think about Amazon negotiations today, and what excites you most about the opportunity for brands to rethink profitability and power within the 1P model?

Send us Fan MailBeing a Vendor Process Manager is a little like being a referee, detective, and data janitor all at once. In this episode, we'll cover the key priorities that help you reduce risk, improve compliance, and clean up vendor chaos.Keep listening. Check out my website www.debrarrichardson.com if you need help implementing authentication techniques, internal controls, and best practices to reduce the potential for fraudulent payments, compliance fines or bad vendor data. Check out the Vendor Process Training Center for 173+ hours of weekly live and on-demand training for the Vendor team. Links mentioned in the podcast + other helpful resources:    Roadmap to a Controlled Vendor ProcessOn-Demand Webinar: Ensuring Adherence: How to Audit Your Vendor Setup and Change Process On-Demand Webinar: 3 Ways To Meet Nacha's ACH Fraud Monitoring - Same Day Foundational Vendor Process Training:  Vendor Process Essentials Training Sessions  Free Training Session:  8 Steps to Clean Your Vendor Master File Customized Vendor Validations Session: https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-sessionFree Download:  Vendor Validation Reference List with Resource Links https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-downloadVendor Process Training Center - https://training.debrarrichardson.comCustomized Fraud Training:  https://training.debrarrichardson.com/customized-fraud-training Free Live and On-Demand Webinars: https://training.debrarrichardson.com/webinarsVendor Master File Clean-Up:  https://training.debrarrichardson.com/cleanupYouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqeoffeQu3pSXMV8fUIGNiw More Podcasts/Blogs/Webinars www.debrarrichardson.comMore ideas?  Email me at debra@debrarrichardson.com Music Credit:  www.purple-planet.com

Private equity (PE) acquisition trends in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) sector are targeting smaller firms at increasing rates, with offers now being extended to MSPs in the $1–3 million revenue range. PE activity, once limited to companies exceeding $5 million in annual revenue, is now resulting in more than half of current offers for these smaller businesses coming from large financial entities. This development creates both opportunities and risks for small and boutique MSPs, especially those with specialization or unique market positioning. Market data and discussion on the podcast highlighted a “void” in the $3–5 million MSP segment, attributed to sustained PE buyouts and the slower organic growth required to fill this gap. Growth beyond the $2 million threshold remains a structural challenge for many MSPs, requiring investment in management layers and business process sophistication. PE acquirers are described as increasingly eager, but both success rates and culture-fit issues remain a concern, with statistics reportedly indicating that many PE integrations do not succeed in the long run. Diligent vetting of acquirers and focus on internal operational maturity were emphasized as risk mitigations. Other topics examined included the implications of third-party cloud outages, such as the Microsoft incident of July 24, 2026, and their effects on MSP–client communication protocols. It was noted that responsibility for outages often lies outside the MSP's control, making timely, empathetic, and proactive client communication essential. Additional segments addressed risks associated with misaligned business ethics—such as using misleading job advertising—and the operational significance of transparency and genuine client interaction. Opportunities for skill development were identified through emerging partner programs in AI, specifically pointing to free certification offerings from Google and Anthropic, with the observation that 65.7% of MSPs have no public-facing AI narrative. For MSP leaders, these findings point to a need for robust organizational processes: strategic specialization, internal reinvestment, and strong core value alignment to withstand shifting acquisition patterns and integration risks. Vendor and platform accountability, particularly regarding service continuity, should remain central in client management practices. Skill development in AI and transparent business operations are positioned as differentiators in a market where rapid change and client trust are both key risk and opportunity factors. On July 24th Microsoft had an outage that covered a lot of North America for about 5 hours. https://www.instagram.com/p/DbKyeZVmauy/ What if you don't want to sell your company? PE is snapping up the larger end of the MSP market. Is that an opportunity or a threat for smaller MSPs? https://ctacquisitions.com/guides/private-equity-msp-2026/ The MSP of the future. Amy has been writing for 3 years on this topic and now has a summary article. https://www.thirdtier.net/2026/07/23/the-msp-of-the-future-pulling-the-threads-together/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April Mardock, Chief Information Security Officer at WASIPC, joins the podcast to analyze the primary entry points targeted in K-12 ransomware incidents. The discussion offers actionable guidance on multi-factor authentication, vendor risk management, data retention policies, and using gamified tabletop exercises to prepare school leadership for cyber incidents.April's LinkedIn profile and email addressCybersecurity tabletop simulation game (Gemini Gem), step into the hot seat of a live cyber attack and lead your team to safetyI Asked 24 Ransomed School Districts How the Attackers Got In - There Were Only Three Answers, LinkedIn article that April authoredK-12 SIX (K-12 Security Information Sharing and Analysis Center), threat intelligence community providing free K-12 cybersecurity guidance, checklist guides, and standardsWISPC, public, non-profit agency in Washington state that provides technology solutions, data management, and cooperative purchasing services to K-12 schoolsCyberforce|Q service from WISPC, building and implementing cybersecurity programs for organizations of all sizesBluum service from WISPC, helping educators leverage technology to create a more effective and engaging student experienceCybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; as the national coordinator for critical infrastructure security and resilience, CISA works with partners at every level to identify and manage risk to the cyber and physical infrastructure that Americans rely on every hour of every day. CISA works with partners to defend against today's threats and collaborate to build a more secure and resilient infrastructure for the future.Secure Cloud Business Application (SCuBA), CISA project providing tailored cloud solutions guidance and secure configuration baselines (SCBs) for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace applications. SCuBA's guidance aims to protect information that organizations create, access, share, or store in cloud environments.Backdoors and Breaches, incident response card game

Flinders University International Relations Associate Professor Dr Jessica Genauer joined Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft to discuss the conflict between the Ukraine and Russia and the use of drones in modern warfare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A full forensic timeline. Brady traced it end to end: a 2018 MicroPython software fallback sat harmless for three years until March 2021, when Coinkite moved to Bitcoin Core's math library and silently bound seed generation to that fallback. Lopp notes the bug lived in the build system, not the main code. Firmware 4.0.0 is the dividing line. Shipped March 17, 2021. Seeds generated before roughly March 1 are fine, and MK3 releases 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 were the last safe ones. Every default seed after that was weak. It was flagged in 2021 and dismissed. Four months after the bad firmware shipped, someone publicly raised Coldcard entropy concerns. NVK's reply called it FUD and demanded a line in the code. That post is deleted; an archived screenshot survives. The scope widened over the weekend. Coinkite added MK2 alongside MK3 and MK4, and confirmed Q and MK5 at roughly 72 bits rather than the expected 128. Independent analysis put the MK4 class nearer 50 to 60 bits in practice. Dice rolls and passphrases do not cover everything. Nine other Coldcard features draw from the same broken generator, including message signing and deriving keys for other purposes. BTC Sessions confirmed an MK4 with a one-word passphrase was drained. Scale, and Cory's proportion. Roughly 1,300 Bitcoin total, 594 in the first wave, with Chainalysis showing the highest-balance wallets targeted first. Cory noted centralized exchanges and lenders have lost about a thousand times more. The chip-ID recovery hope is gone. Holders were told earlier in the week to keep their devices because a chip signature might prove ownership. Brady reported that has since been shown not to work as hoped, narrowing recovery further. Vendor indictment or self-custody indictment? An audience question that framed the hour. Brady argued it is a challenge to upgrade toward multi-vendor multisig rather than a verdict on self-custody. One listener pushed back that the indictment already landed. Joe Nakamoto from Europe. He found almost nobody in his circle affected, since Coldcard's loudest advocates were largely American and circular economies mostly run on Lightning. Bloomberg was the only genuinely mainstream outlet, and its coverage was fair. Open source, and the AI asymmetry. Researchers keep reaching for Moonshot's open-weight Kimi K3 because US frontier models refuse legitimate security work. Rob Hamilton's decentralized effort to pentest Bitcoin repos received grant funding during the show.

Clinical teams, supply chain leaders, and vendor partners all play a critical role in surgical success, but getting everyone aligned isn't always easy. In Episode 1 of our brand-new podcast series, "Operate in Harmony," Geoff Gates from Cleveland Clinic and Matt Rechin from ReadySet join us to explore how stronger partnerships create the foundation for lasting best practices. From strengthening clinical engagement and streamlining vendor communication to leveraging technology and data to reduce manual steps, they'll break down how stronger alignment can drive safer, smarter, and more consistent processes. If your teams are working side by side but not always in sync, this episode will help you bring every part of the surgical supply chain into harmony. Tune in today! Over the next four weeks, this series explores what it takes to align people, process, and technology across the surgical supply chain. From strengthening clinical partnerships and vendor collaboration to optimizing workflows and embracing innovation, we'll explore the ideas and insights that help healthcare teams build best practices that last. A special thanks to our sponsor, ReadySet, for making this series possible. #PowerSupply #ReadySet #OperateInHarmony #HealthcareSupplyChain #Vendor #Clinical #Operational #Partnership #BestPractices #Technology

In this episode, we're joined by Josh Collier, FinOps Lead at Superhuman (formerly Grammarly), to explore what it really costs to run AI at scale and why the rules of the game changed faster than anyone expected.We discuss how AI token costs dropped 80% in two years, why that trend has sharply reversed with frontier models doubling in price, and how Josh rebuilt a single LLM workflow that cost $400k a month down to $80k by rethinking the architecture. He also shares how a cost calculator built in 15 minutes transformed the way his team estimates spend before running experiments, and why research-led optimization is the only kind that works without degrading the product.Along the way, we cover hidden costs most teams miss, the trade-off between Azure reserved capacity and OpenAI Priority Processing, why fixed subscription pricing is broken in an AI-native world, vendor lock-in risk, and what OpenAI's Guaranteed Capacity announcement really signals about where vendor relationships are heading next.Superhuman: https://superhuman.comJosh Collier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-collier-945b7029/Demetrios: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpbrinkmTimestamps:[00:00] OpenAI Guaranteed Capacity: what's really going on[01:04] Josh's path into AI FinOps[02:48] Token costs: the 80% price drop[04:16] Why costs will only go up[05:06] External LLMs as financial risk[07:16] Why subscription pricing is dead[08:22] The data residency fee nobody notices[09:33] The cost calculator built in 15 minutes[10:24] How it changed dev team speed[13:00] Tracking costs by service and team[15:33] $400k workflow rebuilt for $80k[17:13] Why only research can optimize tokens[20:00] Speculative decoding win[23:11] One bad query, $40k gone[26:00] Why Azure PTU was exhausting[28:59] Shadow traffic load testing[29:07] Priority processing: no brainer[31:10] Guaranteed capacity: lock-in signal?[32:18] The danger of multi-year AI deals[33:28] Vendor-agnostic proxy as exit strategy

Send us Fan MailA breach can hit your headlines even when your own systems never get touched, and that's exactly why third-party risk management keeps showing up on the CISSP exam and in real incident reports. We walk through the Vimeo breach tied to its analytics vendor Anodot, where compromised vendor access and authentication tokens gave attackers a clean path to customer data. No video content or payment data was taken, but names, emails, and metadata exposure is still a trust and reputation problem that security teams have to own.From there, we zoom out to the bigger pattern behind modern supply chain security: attackers increasingly go after dependencies, CI/CD pipelines, shared developer tools, and widely used vendors because one compromise can cascade across hundreds of customers. We talk about how to reduce that exposure with a stronger TPRM program, including vendor risk tiering, continuous monitoring, SBOM thinking, and practical contractual controls like breach notification timelines, right to audit language, and clear subcontractor disclosure with flow-down requirements to address fourth-party risk.We also shift into CISSP Domain 1 rapid review mode: what the exam really wants when it asks about due diligence, evidence, and proportional risk decisions. You'll hear clean explanations of SOC 2 Type 1 vs SOC 2 Type 2, where ISO 27001 fits, why questionnaires like SIG are not proof, and which frameworks matter for third-party and supply chain risk management including NIST 800-161, ISO 27036, and NIST CSF 2.0. We close with practice scenarios that mirror common CISSP traps so you can spot them fast.Subscribe for more CISSP training, share this with a study partner, and leave a review so more security pros can find the show.Gain exclusive access to 360 FREE CISSP Practice Questions at FreeCISSPQuestions.com and have them delivered directly to your inbox!  Don't miss this valuable opportunity to strengthen your CISSP exam preparation and boost your chances of certification success. Join now and start your journey toward CISSP mastery today!

Todos hemos repetido alguna vez que la información pertenece al cliente. Suena bien. Es una de esas verdades que rara vez se cuestionan. Pero basta con que un proveedor de software cambie las condiciones de su plataforma para que empiecen a aparecer las preguntas incómodas. Porque una cosa es ser el propietario de unos datos y otra muy distinta tener el control sobre ellos. Todo parte de una situación aparentemente rutinaria. Un fabricante anuncia que determinadas versiones de sus aplicaciones dejarán de ser compatibles con algunos servicios de su plataforma en la nube. No es la primera vez que ocurre y tampoco será la última. El software evoluciona, las versiones quedan obsoletas y los proveedores modifican sus condiciones. Lo realmente interesante aparece cuando ese cambio obliga a modificar la forma en la que colaboramos dentro de un proyecto. En ese momento dejamos de hablar de una actualización tecnológica para empezar a hablar de dependencia. Bienvenido al episodio 210 de BIMrras. Contenido del episodio: 00:00 Introducción: ¿A quién pertenecen los datos? 08:20 ¿La información pertenece realmente al cliente? 16:30 Qué información forma parte del proyecto 22:10 Propiedad de los datos frente a control efectivo 27:40 Vendor lock-in y dependencia de las plataformas 34:10 Qué significa realmente la soberanía del dato 41:20 El papel de IFC y los formatos abiertos 47:50 Diseñar la portabilidad desde el inicio del proyecto 53:30 Qué debería exigir un cliente 58:20 Conclusiones: proteger la información más allá del software

In this episode of the Independent Dealer Podcast, Jeff Watson and Luke Godwin hit the expo floor at the NIADA 2026 National Convention in Denver, Colorado to introduce independent dealers to vendors they may not know yet – and a couple of product categories the industry has been waiting on longer than it realizes. Four stops, four conversations, zero fluff. Just tools that could actually move the needle on how you appraise, acquire, list, recon, and sell cars in 2026.What You'll Learn:How PAVE uses AI and a smartphone to produce a consistent condition report, damage assessment, and retail listing photos in under two minutes – no photo booth, no manual process, and full integration with your CRM or DMSHow CarVid automates your entire Facebook Marketplace operation – posting, reposting, deleting, and responding to buyer inquiries with an AI that dealers say nobody has ever identified as a bot – and how the buying side tool scans new listings every ten minutes so you never miss a street buyWhy Accurate OEM remanufactured catalytic converters are a third of the price of new OEM, come with a 12-month 12,000-mile warranty, guaranteed fitment via VIN lookup, and ship two-day to 47 states – and why that solves one of the most expensive and frustrating recon headaches in the independent spaceHow Aviloo's three-minute OBD battery health test is already the standard at auctions across Europe and why it is coming to Mannheim and every major U.S. auction – and why dealers buying EVs today without one are flying blind on a $15,000 to $18,000 risk per unitWhy Jeff is scared to test his EV inventory and what Brett at Aviloo said that changed the way he thinks about battery health as a buying and marketing tool – not just a liabilityHow a free battery check event can pull EV owners into your lot, get their car on a hoist, and turn a service visit into a street buy opportunity in one conversationIf you are an independent dealer who walked the hall in Denver and missed these booths – or did not make it to NIADA this year – this episode is your shortcut to what was worth stopping for.Support the businesses that support the podcast:Buckeye Risk Services - Reinsurance and wealth strategies for independent dealers.https://theindependentdealer.com/buckeyeBlytz - BHPH payment processing with fast funding and text-to-pay.https://theindependentdealer.com/blytzpayIturan GPS - Asset protection and customer management for BHPH and retail dealers.https://theindependentdealer.com/ituranFollow & Connect:Website: www.theindependentdealer.comFacebook Group: @independentautogroupLuke Godwin: @lukegodwinJeff Watson: /sendtojeffwLike, subscribe, and share this with a dealer who needs to hear it.

The central structural shift addressed is the fracture of the longstanding per-user, per-month MSP pricing model due to AI-enabled consumption-based (tokenized) billing, which introduces variable costs previously absent from MSP contracts. This shift is being reinforced by vendor strategies from firms such as Microsoft, Atera, ConnectWise, N-able, and Pax8, each proposing different mechanisms for channel partners to integrate and manage AI costs and capabilities. Recent research from Omnia, highlighted by Jessica Davis, underscores the pace and fragmentation of this evolution, creating new exposure for MSPs to vendor-driven pricing and value capture. Data from an Omnia poll of 255 MSPs found 40% are maintaining traditional per-user pricing, while 60% are reevaluating or transitioning toward hybrid, outcome-based, or true consumption models. Business of Tech research shows that two-thirds of MSPs have not referenced AI at all in their customer-facing positioning, and those that do overwhelmingly reference Microsoft as their AI provider. According to Jessica Davis, much of the 40% maintaining legacy pricing may not be doing so out of clear strategy or discipline, but because they have yet to encounter the practical or financial impacts of AI usage patterns. Secondary developments discussed include vendor-driven channel consolidation in the form of proprietary control planes: Kaseya, ConnectWise, N-able, and Pax8 are all positioning their platforms as the central operational layer for AI services, but with divergent models—ranging from bundled internal use to open orchestration. Dave Sobel and Jessica Davis note that this fragmentation and experimentation by vendors creates substantial complexity for MSPs, who face real risk of shifting from managed service models to a lower-margin reseller role, particularly as vendors seek to capture value through consumption pricing. Additionally, the rapid pace of AI tool development is enabling some MSPs, particularly advanced or less-regulated firms, to bypass vendors and build custom integrations or internal automations. For operators, the practical implications are increased operational risk and pricing uncertainty, coupled with the challenge of balancing internal efficiency gains against eventual client demand for AI-driven services. Vendor dependency is deepening as MSPs must choose whether to commit to a control plane and cede elements of value and data custody, or attempt to differentiate through custom service layers. The most immediate risk is margin compression from ill-managed or misaligned pricing models—a threat compounded if MSPs fail to map their AI cost and value flows. According to Jessica Davis, MSPs who closely monitor their actual AI-related costs and value delivered, rather than reacting prematurely or simply holding the line, will be better positioned to adapt to ongoing changes in both technology and vendor strategy.   Supported by: Pax8Guardz

Send us Fan MailIf you think you don't have to worry about duplicate vendors because your Accounting System or ERP catches them – just know – that you probably have duplicate vendors.  Keep listening. Check out my website www.debrarrichardson.com if you need help implementing authentication techniques, internal controls, and best practices to reduce the potential for fraudulent payments, compliance fines or bad vendor data. Check out the Vendor Process Training Center for 173+ hours of weekly live and on-demand training for the Vendor team. Links mentioned in the podcast + other helpful resources:    Free Training Session:  8 Steps to Clean Your Vendor Master File Customized Vendor Validations Session: https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-sessionFree Download:  Vendor Validation Reference List with Resource Links https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-downloadVendor Process Training Center - https://training.debrarrichardson.comCustomized Fraud Training:  https://training.debrarrichardson.com/customized-fraud-training Free Live and On-Demand Webinars: https://training.debrarrichardson.com/webinarsVendor Master File Clean-Up:  https://training.debrarrichardson.com/cleanupYouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqeoffeQu3pSXMV8fUIGNiw More Podcasts/Blogs/Webinars www.debrarrichardson.comMore ideas?  Email me at debra@debrarrichardson.com Music Credit:  www.purple-planet.com

Discover entrepreneurship, innovation, business growth, scaling, and intellectual property strategies from successful founders and industry leaders. Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, co-hosts of the Passage to Profit Show interview Leah Solivan from Taskrabbit and Precedent.vc, Nate Amidon from Form100 Consulting and Lauren Hidalgo from Aware House. What does it take to leave the security of a corporate career and build a company that changes how millions of people work? Taskrabbit founder Leah Solivan shares the entrepreneurial mindset that helped her challenge convention, create one of the world's leading technology marketplaces, and ultimately sell the company to IKEA. Now a venture capitalist investing in AI-native startups and and founder of Precedent.vc, Leah explains why outsider thinking fuels innovation, how AI agents are transforming productivity, what founders should know about the future of work, and why the greatest entrepreneurs focus on building lasting impact—not just successful exits. This inspiring conversation is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, startup founders, business leaders, and anyone navigating the rapidly changing world of artificial intelligence. Read more at: https://www.leahsolivan.com/ As AI accelerates the pace of business, strong leadership has never been more critical. In this episode, Nate Amidon, Founder and CEO of Form100 Consulting, explains why military-trained leaders are uniquely equipped to help organizations navigate rapid technological change, improve communication, and build high-performing teams. Discover how veterans bring integrity, trust, mission-focused execution, and proven leadership into enterprise technology organizations—and why these skills can help businesses of every size avoid costly mistakes while scaling faster. Read more at: https://www.form100consulting.com/ What if the future of online shopping isn't bigger marketplaces—but smarter ones? Lauren Hidalgo, Founder of Aware House, shares how she built a curated marketplace that helps consumers discover exceptional products from American small businesses while promoting transparent supply chains, sustainability, and authentic craftsmanship. She explains why she chose slow, organic growth over aggressive scaling, how abandoning paid advertising actually improved her business, and why trust, quality, and personal relationships may be the greatest competitive advantages for entrepreneurs in today's marketplace. Read more at: https://awarehouseshop.com/ Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, startup founder, inventor, or small business owner, the Passage to Profit Show is a leading podcast for insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, intellectual property and business strategy. Hosted by Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, the show features industry leaders, investors, and founders who share real-world lessons on scaling companies, protecting ideas, building generational wealth, and navigating today's evolving business landscape. Visit https://passagetoprofitshow.com/ for the latest episodes, expert interviews, and resources designed to help you grow, protect, and profit from your ideas. Chapters (00:00:00) - Passing to Profit: How to Get Out of Trap(00:00:22) - Gerhard Law's 20th Anniversary Party(00:03:18) - Happy 4th Anniversary! Helicopters Fly By(00:04:22) - In the Elevator With Leah Sullivan and More(00:05:21) - Decision Made That Changed the Direction of My Business(00:07:06) - Decision Made That Changed the Direction of My Career(00:08:17) - The Decision That Changed the Direction of My Business(00:10:02) - The Branding of Intellectual Property(00:11:33) - In the Elevator With Peter Thiel(00:13:16) - TaskRabbit: IKEA Furniture Jobs(00:13:51) - You Had Planned to Sell TaskRabbit to IKEA(00:14:36) - In the Elevator With Ikea's CEO(00:15:30) - How AI Is Affecting the Future of Work(00:21:54) - What Kind of Companies Are You Investing In?(00:25:56) - Favorite Companies in the United States(00:28:41) - Better Health Insurance for You and Your Family(00:29:41) - Setting New Precedents for Business(00:30:50) - What Motivates People to Take a Different Path?(00:33:08) - Outside the IBM Culture(00:35:11) - Why Business Is So Different For Women(00:36:27) - Coming soon: The Transition to Entrepreneurs(00:39:09) - Real AI Use Cases(00:40:24) - How Microsoft's Copilot is Using AI in Business(00:41:13) - Six Ways Business Owners Are Using AI(00:44:42) - Divorce Debt Relief Hotline(00:47:05) - Intellectual Property News: Site-Blocking(00:51:05) - What is IT Staffing and Execution?(00:53:26) - The Manufacturing-IT Collangage(00:57:12) - The Need for Leadership in the IT Organization(00:59:56) - Leading with Integrity and Accountability(01:02:23) - Does the Military Model Work for Technology Companies?(01:05:01) - What Should an Entrepreneur Do About Veterans?(01:06:40) - Where Everything Clicks: The Aware House Shop(01:11:58) - Where everything clicks: The 'Huckberry' business(01:13:52) - Lauren's Influencers(01:14:49) - Have You Plan to Scale Your Business?(01:17:33) - How Do You Find a Vendor for your Website?(01:18:37) - Aware House Shop: Looking for new products to add(01:20:52) - Passing to Profit(01:22:04) - Noah Fleishman on Dreaming(01:23:32) - Secret of the Entrepreneurial Mind

Podcast: Error Code (LS 27 · TOP 10% what is this?)Episode: EP 90: Your Weakest Vendor Is Someone's Biggest ProblemPub date: 2026-07-22Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationWhy one vendor breach can take down dozens of banks — third-party risk, AI-driven attacks, and why patching fast may beat patching safe today.  Jeffrey Wheatman, Senior Vice President, Cyber Risk Strategist at Black Kite, explains.The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Robert Vamosi, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.

Outsourcing can make your business more efficient. But outsourcing the reason customers choose you can destroy the company from the inside. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down why your core competency must remain under your control and how excessive dependence on outside vendors can weaken your quality, margins, and long-term value. Delegating administrative work is smart. Delegating the actual product is dangerous. If a third party controls the service your customers are paying for, your business becomes a middleman that can be easily replaced. In this episode, you'll learn: • Which business functions can be safely outsourced• Why your core product or service must remain under internal control• How proprietary systems and elite talent increase company value• Why owning fulfillment improves quality, speed, and profit margins The truth is simple: You can outsource the paperwork. You cannot outsource the magic. Build your intellectual property in-house. Hire strong operators. Protect the systems that create your results. When you control the core, you strengthen the brand, protect the customer experience, and build a business with real equity. Your Network is your NETWORTH! Make sure to add me on all SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: Instagram: https://jo.my/paulalex2024Facebook: https://jo.my/fbpaulalex2024YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhDAD1JyGGzSQUPD9lc9HQLinkedIn: https://jo.my/inpaulalex2024 Looking for a secondary source of income or want to become an entrepreneur? Check out one of my companies below to see if we can help you: www.CashSwipe.com FREE Copy of my book “Blue to Digital Gold - The New American Dream”www.officialPaulAlex.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join this channel to get access to perks - custom emojis, member lives, and access to the auction listings: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJoP2q6P8mWkBUMn45pgyAA/join   Jessica Hare - Hare Hollow Farm - Altus, OK Harehollowfarm.com Morph Market - https://www.morphmarket.com/stores/hare_hollow_farm/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Hare-Hollow-Farm-113861266980541 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hare_hollow_farm/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@unmeinohi

Send us Fan MailDo you and your team know what you need to do if there is a fraudulent payment?  If you want the five steps that are probably not in your IT team's fraud response plan……Keep listening. Check out my website www.debrarrichardson.com if you need help implementing authentication techniques, internal controls, and best practices to reduce the potential for fraudulent payments, compliance fines or bad vendor data. Check out the Vendor Process Training Center for 173+ hours of weekly live and on-demand training for the Vendor team. Links mentioned in the podcast + other helpful resources:    On-Demand Webinar:  Build a Fraud Response Plan So You Know What To Do If Business Email Compromise (BEC) Happens https://training.debrarrichardson.com/course/june2024-1Customized Vendor Validations Session: https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-sessionFree Download:  Vendor Validation Reference List with Resource Links https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-downloadVendor Process Training Center - https://training.debrarrichardson.comCustomized Fraud Training:  https://training.debrarrichardson.com/customized-fraud-training Free Live and On-Demand Webinars: https://training.debrarrichardson.com/webinarsVendor Master File Clean-Up:  https://www.debrarrichardson.com/cleanupYouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqeoffeQu3pSXMV8fUIGNiw More Podcasts/Blogs/Webinars www.debrarrichardson.comMore ideas?  Email me at debra@debrarrichardson.com Music Credit:  www.purple-planet.com

In this episode, Laura Dyrda, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, Becker's Healthcare, discusses how health system leaders are managing rising AI costs, evaluating vendor partnerships, and strengthening governance around new technologies.

Why one vendor breach can take down dozens of banks — third-party risk, AI-driven attacks, and why patching fast may beat patching safe today.  Jeffrey Wheatman, Senior Vice President, Cyber Risk Strategist at Black Kite, explains.

Most bar owners treat vendors like a delivery service.That means they are probably leaving pricing, support, training, product knowledge, and market data on the table.In this episode, I'm breaking down how to turn your vendor relationships into real business partnerships instead of simple order-taking conversations.We'll talk about what reps can actually provide, how to ask for better support, how to use supplier training with your team, and how to negotiate better terms when your state allows it.Your vendors want you to sell more.The question is whether you are giving them a reason to help.If you are only talking to reps when you need product, this episode is for you.

Join Priya Gohil and Mark Davis as they look back at how the major industry players performed financially during 2025. They consider general financial and industry-related trends, as well as key highlights from both the Office and Production spaces.

Listen or Watch Karen Harrison and Patricia LaDale Lane talk about sharing Reiki at a holistic fair. Not sure where to begin becoming a Reiki Vendor? Watch Patricia LaDale Lane and Karen Harrison as they explore how to create a welcoming booth, confidently talk about Reiki, attract new clients and students, and make meaningful connections with attendees and fellow vendors.

Healthcare AI is moving faster than many health systems can govern it.In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, David Hilderbrand, Chief Commercial Officer at Ferrum Health, joins Christopher Kunney to discuss the rapid rise of clinical AI, medical imaging AI consolidation, and the growing need for enterprise-level governance. He explains why health systems are no longer just asking which AI tools to buy, but how to monitor, manage, and understand the tools already running across their organizations. As AI enters through devices, platforms, service lines, and vendor relationships, CIOs and clinical leaders are facing a new kind of operational complexity. The conversation explores why effective AI oversight has become essential as adoption accelerates across healthcare.David breaks down the difference between AI committees, analytics, telemetry, and true governance. He explains that governance is not simply about knowing whether an algorithm is turned on, but about understanding how it behaves in clinical care and how it performs across different patient populations. Without that level of visibility, health systems risk overlooking issues such as bias, model drift, inconsistent performance, and patient impact. He argues that meaningful governance is critical to ensuring AI delivers safe, reliable, and measurable clinical value.David also shares how Ferrum Health approaches clinical AI through platforming, observability, and neutral model monitoring. Rather than recommending which AI tools organizations should adopt, Ferrum helps health systems gain visibility into their entire AI portfolio so they can make informed decisions about expanding, replacing, or retiring algorithms. The discussion also covers measuring ROI, recognizing the costs of underperforming AI models, and the importance of early disease detection. Hilderbrand concludes by explaining why AI governance should remain independent from vendor bias to support better long-term clinical and operational outcomes.Tune in to hear why clinical AI governance is becoming essential infrastructure for health systems, and why the future of healthcare AI depends on visibility, accountability, and trust.Key TakeawaysClinical AI is expanding quickly, but many health systems lack the tools to understand what is actually running across their environments. Vendor sprawl is creating new operational, financial, and clinical risks as AI tools enter through devices, platforms, and service lines. True AI governance goes beyond telemetry and analytics; it requires visibility into how algorithms interact with patients and clinical workflows. Health systems need unbiased observability to determine whether clinical AI tools are performing as promised. AI governance can help organizations reduce the cost of failed algorithms and improve the value of their AI investments. Early detection through clinical AI can improve patient outcomes while also reducing downstream care costs. Governance must remain separate from vendor bias so health systems can make clear decisions about which tools to keep, expand, replace, or remove. The next phase of clinical AI will require stronger infrastructure, especially as agentic AI and cloud-based workflow solutions grow.ResourcesConnect with David Hilderbrand on LinkedIn.Follow Ferrum Health on LinkedIn and visit their website.

What To Do & When - Wedding Planning Step-by-Step 21 Wedding BUDGET SAVING Tips   Wedding Planners who have gone through Jamie's course: Union Network List Want to ask Jamie your wedding planning questions?  Join her in The Master Plan! What did you think about this episode?  What were your takeaways?  I want to hear your feedback!  Screenshot the episode and post your thoughts on Instagram and tag us @wolferandco.  You can get your Perfect Wedding Timeline - HERE! Be sure to grab your Ultimate Wedding Day Checklist at https://www.wolferandco.com/engagechecklist You are also invited to join the Facebook Wedding Community she has created for y'all to support each other. ❤️ P.S. — These links may use affiliate platforms where commission may be earned based on clicks and/or purchases, and I would love it if you used them! It won't cost you anything extra, but affiliate links are RAD because they help creators like me to fund the free content we provide.

The episode highlights a shift from technology selection to operational risk management in the AI landscape for MSPs. Service providers are being forced to navigate the fast-changing interplay between AI models, the harness software that mediates their deployment, and the financial realities of consumption-based billing. The rapid proliferation of open-source and open-weight AI models, alongside market behaviors from closed vendors and regulatory interventions, is introducing volatility and uncertainty in both cost structures and client offerings. This dynamic creates structural challenges related to margin maintenance, vendor dependency, and responsibility for AI-driven decisions. The discussion cites the release of GLM 5.2, an open-weight model from Z AI, which now rivals expensive closed models on key benchmarks at a fraction of the cost. At the same time, large-scale investments by commercial AI vendors have yet to deliver returns on expectations, with reports indicating businesses that adopted AI are not seeing projected value. Specific attention is given to operational constraints such as compute scarcity, token consumption variability, and export policy restrictions impacting AI availability. The episode notes that these pressures are driving both vendors and MSPs to reconsider the viability of reliance on expensive, closed offerings versus investigating open alternatives. Supportive examples include the proliferation of AI “harnesses” (middleware layers like Perplexity, Claude Code, and Cowork) that sit between service providers and underlying AI models, increasing both choice and complexity. Token billing models are highlighted as a source of unpredictability for MSPs, with vendors like Atera and ConnectWise experimenting with different abstractions to shield or pass through token risk to service providers. The potential for on-premises AI deployments using smaller language models is discussed as a cost-mitigation strategy, though this raises further questions about data privacy, infrastructure burden, and long-term vendor roles. Additionally, uncertainty is flagged around sustainability of leading vendors, with projections that at least one major AI player may exit or be acquired within a year due to financial vulnerability. For MSPs and IT service leaders, these structural and supporting developments translate into increased operational and financial complexity. There is a pressing need to evaluate not just which AI technologies to adopt, but how to architect solutions that can withstand rapid vendor movement, cost swings, and evolving regulatory requirements. Practical safeguards include testing open-source AI models alongside commercial offerings, exercising caution in vendor selection, and closely monitoring evolving consumption billing models. Preparing staff and clients for adaptive, process-oriented approaches—rather than fixed solutions—is positioned as a necessary step to maintain resilience as the AI adoption cycle continues to correct course. Supported by:Pax8CometBackupGuardz

Send us Fan Mail Many organizations have as part of the vendor validation process to verify vendor's information against state business registrations, IRS TIN Match records, and bank records.  If validations are successful that information is trusted and payments are made.  Fraudsters are now taking advantage of this trust.  How?....Keep listening. Check out my website www.debrarrichardson.com if you need help implementing authentication techniques, internal controls, and best practices to reduce the potential for fraudulent payments, compliance fines or bad vendor data. Check out the Vendor Process Training Center for 173+ hours of weekly live and on-demand training for the Vendor team. Links mentioned in the podcast + other helpful resources:    JD Supra Article:  Business Identity Theft: How Corporate Hijacking Works and What to DoFind the State A Vendor Is Registered In:  OpenCorporatesLinks To State Business Entity Searches:  Vendor Process Training Center > Resource LibraryCustomized Vendor Validations Session: https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-sessionFree Download:  Vendor Validation Reference List with Resource Links https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-downloadVendor Process Training Center - https://training.debrarrichardson.comCustomized Fraud Training:  https://training.debrarrichardson.com/customized-fraud-training Free Live and On-Demand Webinars: https://training.debrarrichardson.com/webinarsVendor Master File Clean-Up:  https://www.debrarrichardson.com/cleanupYouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqeoffeQu3pSXMV8fUIGNiw More Podcasts/Blogs/Webinars www.debrarrichardson.comMore ideas?  Email me at debra@debrarrichardson.com Music Credit:  www.purple-planet.com

Today we're sharing an episode from author Dan Heath's podcast What It's Like To Be…. where Dan explores the world of work, one profession at a time, and interviews people who love what they do. For this one, Dan talks with a stadium beer vendor who shares stories from his 35 years on the job, including meeting Muhammad Ali, how to pour without foam, and how to handle fans who love beer a bit too much. You can find more episodes of What It's Like to Be… here.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Send us Fan MailWhat if one book could open the door to the estate planning attorneys, paralegals, and trust professionals you've been trying to reach for years?In this solo episode of the Sign & Thrive Podcast, Bill Soroka shares the personal story behind his newest book, Rethinking the Notary, and why he believes it could reshape the future of the notary profession.This one is different from anything Bill has released before, because the book isn't written to notaries at all. It's written to the estate planning professionals YOU want to partner with, and that's exactly what makes it such a powerful marketing tool for mobile notaries and loan signing agents who are serious about growth.Bill gets vulnerable about the moment that inspired the whole thing, a final appointment in a home full of family, food, and balloons, and how that experience revealed the gap between credentialed notaries and the estate planning firms who need them.In this episode, you'll learn:Why Rethinking the Notary transfers credibility to you instead of asking you to pitch yourselfHow to use the book as a leave-behind that turns office pop-ins and drop-ins into real conversationsThe liability and capacity issues that make estate planning firms need a credentialed notary partnerHow to stop being treated like a stamp and start being seen as a professional partnerA full walkthrough of the Estate Planning Partner System, including the Fab 100 prospecting framework, the AI prospecting prompt, the 90-Day Action Plan, the Chemistry Check Meeting Framework, and moreIf you're a notary entrepreneur looking to build a thriving mobile notary business, break into estate planning work, and develop the marketing and relationship skills that actually move the needle, this episode is your roadmap.Rethinking the Notary is available now on Kindle, Audible, and paperback. Learn more about the book and the marketing bundles at the link below.Explore the book & Bundles Here

Chicago is seeing a rise in enforcement against immigrant street vendors. Over the last few months the Street Vendors Association of Chicago has been sounding the alarm on a rise in citations, arrests, and number of carts that have been confiscated by Chicago police officers and city workers. We break down the latest with contributors Leigh Giangreco and Jill Hopkins. Plus, the Shedd Aquarium is welcoming even more beluga whales to the lakefront, and we've got a fun way to keep track of everyone running for mayor.  Good News: Fire vs. Vancouver | Sky vs. Seattle Storm  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 13  episode: Visit Bloomington Destination Madison Newberry Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

On the day the new State Fair foods are announced, Jason is joined by Peter Bian from Saturday Dumpling Co - ahead of their first year being out at the Fair. That and Jason's thoughts on the new foods on DeRusha Eats!

Has a lender ever given you the full court press and you weren't sure how to say no? Or maybe you've wondered why your vendor partners aren't sending you more leads? This episode is going to give you a lot to think about. We've been getting messages from agents on both ends of this spectrum — some wanting to know how to get lenders to back off, and others wanting to know how to find a lender who will send them referrals. So we decided it was time to address both, and we're not holding back. We start by going back to basics with a law you may have heard of but probably don't know as well as you think: RESPA, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. It has been around since 1975, and it is still federal law, and it still applies to you and every vendor relationship you have. Then we get into the real conversation — mindset, professionalism, how to say no gracefully, and why expecting leads from your vendors is a trap that will make you miserable. Here's what we cover in this episode: - What RESPA actually is and what it prohibits (spoiler: a lot of what you see happening in the industry) - The history of RESPA, Dodd-Frank, and the CFPB and why these rules exist - Why "things of value" from vendors — including gift cards, event tickets, and subsidized marketing — are considered illegal kickbacks - What co-marketing with a lender is allowed to look like vs. what crosses the line - Why lenders get more aggressive when the market slows and how to handle it with kindness - How to professionally say no when a vendor won't stop pursuing you - Why you should never choose your lender based on what they can do for you - The mindset shift you need to stop expecting referrals from your vendor partners - How to add vendors to your database and treat them like people, not a lead source - A real community story about a lender who finally sent a referral after 16 months — and why it worked - How agent behavior is observed by every vendor you work with, every single time This is your reminder that your vendor relationships are a reflection of your professionalism. And your business is yours to run. Key Quotes & Takeaways: - "If you are an agent out there, you do not pick your lender based on who can do the most for you. We are here to represent our clients." Katy - "The lenders that I use are answering their phones because they're at their office." Katy - "You are being observed." Katy - "I am in charge of what I make." Katy - "Everybody's nice until they're not — until they don't get what they're expecting." Katy - "You are responsible for yourself. You are responsible for generating your own business." Katy - "I want to be known as someone you do not ever have to ask to pay for anything for her, because she's not gonna let you." Katy Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned: - The Big Short (2015 film) - RESPA — Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (1975) - Dodd-Frank Act (2010/2015) - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) - Hustle Humbly Community (hustlehumblypodcast.com/membership) Want to toast someone on the show? Send us a voice or video message with your name, who you are toasting, and why! Email it to team@hustlehumblypodcast.com. Leave us a review at http://ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly Get your FREE Database Template: http://hustlehumblypodcast.com/starthere Email Templates 101: http://emailtemplates101.com Agent Systems 101: http://agentsystems101.com All Resources: http://hustlehumblypodcast.com Submit your topic ideas and toasts to Team@HustleHumblyPodcast.com Music: Straight A's by Connor Price → https://connorprice.shop/ The Good Life by Summer Kennedy → https://soundcloud.com/summerkennedy/the-good-life Be The One by Matrika → https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/be-the-one