When we looked at outages from the first half of 2025, we saw distinct patterns in how distributed systems failed. Consistent with our ongoing outage analysis, our data revealed a rise in subtle functional failures and service degradations where symptoms often seem disconnected from their root causes. Tune in to hear more about our findings from 2025 outages so far, or use the chapters below to jump to the sections that most interest you. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro 00:46 The Impact of Agile Developme...
Aug 15, 2025•19 min
We're back and start by learning that Kat's addicted to grapes, and would like this episode to be over quickly so she can get back to eating them. We then jump in by sharing our own experiences working in a hybrid environment, and all the technology Cisco provides that make it seamless. We dovetail into a bit of computer networking (teasing a future episode...) before we get to smart buildings and how incredible a smart office is (not to brag). From improving user experiences to creating a more ...
Aug 15, 2025•22 min
The way we work has evolved. The technology that has driven that are collaboration tools like Webex that allow work to be something you do, not somewhere you go. But what does the future look like, and are there applicable lessons from the past that we can learn? Ben Rife is back for round 3, and bring with him Brad Oliver, the Director of the US Commercial Collaboration SMB & Midmarket Sales Organization at Cisco to talk through practical advice and real-world examples to help small busines...
Aug 12, 2025•28 min
In this episode of Shift Happens, host Jeff Edwards sits down with Cisco’s Andrew Wozniak and Leonard Thompson—two experts leading the charge on managed services across the Americas. They break down why managed services are more than just a trend—they're a growth engine. 🚀 From a 💰 $353B market opportunity to the critical role managed services play in partner profitability, this episode explores: 🔑 Why customers are demanding managed outcomes 🤝 What the Cisco 360 Partner Program means for MS...
Aug 12, 2025•44 min
From robotaxis to surgical robots, the innovations we’ve witnessed in industrial IoT (IIoT) and robotics technology wouldn't have been possible without advancements in networking. Tune into this episode to learn more and explore why smooth digital experiences are crucial in the IIoT and robotics space. ——— CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:54 Networking Advancements & IIoT Innovation 02:38 Assuring IIoT Networks 03:59 Impact of Disruptions 07:30 Monitoring Challenges 10:20 What’s Next 15:08 Get in Tou...
Aug 11, 2025•16 min
In this episode of Shift Happens, Jeff Edwards sits down with Brett Harrison, Director of Global Partner Go-To-Market Strategy for Collaboration at Cisco. From flying planes to driving partner success, Brett brings his strategic storytelling superpower to a packed conversation on the evolution of hybrid work, the AI-powered digital front door, and why interoperability is no longer optional. They dig into: • Market trends shaping collaboration and customer experience • How AI is transforming cont...
Aug 05, 2025•34 min
In this episode we interview Roberto Petrillo who works for Cisco Product Security Incident Response team. He works on and assesses vulnerabilities on all Cisco products. He tells us about his career in TAC support web security and his move to PSIRT, working on vulnerability disclosures.
Aug 01, 2025•54 min
We're back talking tech this week, and class is in session. To start, we have a monumental moment where Kat promises she's made her final bit about Ian's age (unlikely) (1:10). The meat of this episode is on the Internet of Things (IoT). Kat tries her absolute best to understand what IoT means (3:15), even though her prep for this episode may or may have started with a prompt to Cisco's AI tool of "can you explain IoT to me like I'm 5". BUT after 15 minutes of IoT bootcamp with Ian, she finally ...
Jul 31, 2025•17 min
As cyber threats grow in complexity and AI continues to evolve, the security landscape is shifting at an unprecedented pace. How can businesses and partners stay ahead of the curve? In this episode, we are joined by Alison Stahl, Director of Partner Security Sales at Cisco, who provides a sharp, practical lens on the current and future state of security. She unpacks the critical intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, offering clear insights for navigating this new frontier. T...
Jul 29, 2025•35 min
There's a lot covered in this episode, but we can't promise that ANY of it has to do with tech outside of a mention of a certain service provider. Early on, Kat lays all of her superstitions (or stitions?) on the line, then Ian spends about 13 minutes of your time analyzing grocery store (technically a small business?) operations and logistics (and his recurring issues) Get this man in front of Publix's board! Today we're here to yap, and we're so glad that you're here to listen - WE PROMISE to ...
Jul 24, 2025•18 min
Join us for an exciting episode of the ‘Cisco SE Talks: Conversations on AI Podcast’ as we welcome Pat Bodin, a leading expert in artificial intelligence in business. With a rare combination of CCIE and CPA certifications, Pat Bodin brings unique insights into how AI and customer success are deeply connected. In this episode, Pat reveals his innovative "30 on 30" approach—showing how to create 30 impactful AI use cases in just 30 seconds. Discover how cross-domain expertise is crucial for succes...
Jul 23, 2025•28 min
AB sits down with PepsiCo’s Rajat Arora, Global Head of Networks and IT/OT Infrastructure, to talk about how Cisco technologies and solutions are driving better business outcomes for PepsiCo across the globe. This is a great conversation that covers a variety of topics, from IT/OT convergence to the integration of Cisco WAN to self-healing networks.
Jul 22, 2025•18 min
In this episode of Shift Happens, host Jeff Edwards sits down with Rakesh Samtani, Senior Director of Partner Networking Sales at Cisco, to explore how AI is transforming network management and how the Cisco 360 Partner program initiative is reshaping the partner landscape. From key innovations unveiled at Cisco LIVE to actionable insights that can drive growth and profitability, this conversation dives into the $43 billion network refresh opportunity and what it means for partners ready to lead...
Jul 22, 2025•38 min
As AI transforms IT infrastructure, it’s also reshaping what it takes for IT operations teams to assure performance and maintain quality digital experiences. In this episode, we’ll explore the new challenges facing ITOps teams as AI becomes more integrated into IT environments, covering key digital resilience strategies and important considerations. CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:54 AI & IT Infrastructure 03:15 Assuring Performance on Your AI Journey 04:55 Distributed Architecture 07:49 Digital Res...
Jul 18, 2025•16 min
WELCOME to Episode 18 of 404 - today, we're joined by Cisco SMB sales leader Koko Burns, and while her resume is impressive, her tales from her time in the field are even more so. Koko shares with us her real life experience with a Tinder Swindler, obituary hunting, and how to navigate awkward client interactions - spoiler: some people make it impossible. And once again, Kat reminds us that she's easily scammed. If you have any interest in what tech sales is really like, we think you'll enjoy th...
Jul 17, 2025•24 min
AB sits down with three of Cisco’s leaders: Lawrence Huang, SVP and GM of Network Platform and Wireless; Greg Dorai, SVP and GM of Cisco's Switching business; and Vikas Butaney, SVP and GM of Cisco Routing and Industrial IoT, to discuss Cisco's latest advancements, from AI-driven network management to Industrial IoT solutions, highlighting how these and other technologies are transforming the way businesses operate across diverse environments to deliver operational simplicity to our customers.
Jul 15, 2025•24 min
AB sits down with Ramana Kompella, Cisco Fellow and Head of Cisco Research, for a great talk about Cisco's focus on quantum networking as a next-generation technology. From networking entanglement to the importance of research to the development of Cisco's new networking-entanglement chip, this conversation highlights how Cisco is innovating in ways that aim to unify classical and quantum internet infrastructures.
Jul 15, 2025•28 min
In this episode of Shift Happens, host Jeff Edwards talks with Ken Seitz, Senior Director at Cisco, about the Cisco 360 Partner Value Index (PVI)—a game-changing shift in how Cisco recognizes and rewards partner performance. They break down how the Partner Value Incentive works, what it means for branding and profitability, and how it’s helping partners sharpen their focus in key areas like networking, security, and AI. Ken shares insights on the move from a one-size-fits-all recognition model t...
Jul 15, 2025•30 min
We jump right in by talking...supplements? Kat may be Pablo Escobar, who knows. She makes her own preworkout, and the rules around here. Kat then has a fire alarm, so we had to restart the show halfway through (shoutout to our production team, this ended up flowing really well). We then get into what we meant to talk about: tips for balancing work and working out, and why we both think it is SO important. Spoiler: working out makes you a better employee. We share our best practices for committin...
Jul 10, 2025•25 min
We are LIVE with a powerful kickoff episode featuring Jeetu Patel, Cisco's President and Chief Product Officer. In this kick-off episode, Jeetu reveals the core philosophy reshaping Cisco: “Quality is priority zero.” This is not the Cisco you knew 20 years ago. It’s a company redefining itself as an AI market leader, the incredible impact of Cisco SEs and Partners: “we’ve got to take the message and go to every single customer to re-educate the market on who Cisco is.” Hear directly from Jeetu h...
Jul 08, 2025•20 min
In this episode of Shift Happens, Jeff Edwards welcomes Sharon Price, Director of Strategy & Planning for Cisco’s Global Partner Organization, to unpack the new Cisco Partner Incentive (CPI) Estimator. Sharon shares how the tool helps partners model profitability, plan for growth, and align with the Cisco 360 Partner Program. Whether you're a partner or field team member, this episode gives you the insights—and the action steps—you need to start planning today. Because clarity isn’t the end ...
Jul 08, 2025•26 min
This week Kat and Ian are diving into one of their favorite topics - Workplace Productivity. We've heard Ian's terrifying email organization (or lack thereof before), but believe it or not, this week he's coming in hot with the productive tips. Tune in this week for WebEx features that even Kat didn't know existed, and a general education on online folders for Ian. OH and if you're here for additional information on Cisco's solutions that can support your team's productivity, *cough* Webex *coug...
Jul 03, 2025•25 min
Jason Gallo, Global VP of Partner GTM at Cisco, joins Jeff Edwards to unpack the latest evolution of the Cisco 360 Partner Program. From key truths about the new estimator tool to aligning partner investments with what’s next — this episode delivers the insights you need to lead with clarity and confidence. Tune in and get ahead of the shift.
Jul 01, 2025•27 min
What really goes into the biggest partner program evolution Cisco has launched in 20 years? In this episode of Shift Happens, host Jeff Edwards is joined by two powerhouse leaders — Elisabeth De Dobbeleer, SVP of the Cisco Partner Program, and Rhonda Henley, VP of Americas Partner Sales — to unpack what’s new, what’s working, and what’s still in motion with the Cisco 360 Partner Program. They tackle: • The mindset shift partners are making • The biggest wins • What teams and partners can do toda...
Jul 01, 2025•30 min
In this episode, Brandon tells us the story of the time a critical issue was discovered the day before the Cisco Live US event started. A race against the clock then starts to find a workaround before the attendees arrive. We discuss DHCP snooping and Cisco Live event network preparation.
Jul 01, 2025•49 min
New is always better, right? In this episode, Ian is joined Dave Soscia, Vice President of Cisco Product Management and Business Development at D&H Distributing to talk about his perspective on Cisco’s new partner program and how partners can optimize their profile before the launch date. Dave digs into how distribution can help partners with business analysis, practice consultations and even building and executing a business plan. The channel is changing, and partners are the ones who will ...
Jun 30, 2025•25 min
AI…nightmares? Join Kat and Ian for a part two to their original AI episode - slightly spookier. Will AI take over our jobs, our thoughts, the world? Press play to co-conspiracy deep dive…but also hear practical takeaways on how Cisco is securing AI models. Kat confesses to a close relationship with Chatgpt, and Ian vents about the need to upgrade his iPhone. From incredible sports references (1:22) to the tech revolution that we're all experiencing (5:17), this episode (like most) has a little ...
Jun 26, 2025•16 min
Service delivery chains are often made up of a longer string of dependencies than you might expect. When an outage happens, the root cause might not be in your systems or even with a third-party provider you depend on. It could actually trace back to yet another third-party provider they rely on. We saw this phenomenon in action recently when some Cloudflare services were affected by an outage ultimately caused by Google Cloud issues. Tune in to hear more about what happened at Google Cloud and ...
Jun 25, 2025•17 min
Coming to you live...well at Cisco Live but in person! We dig into the week's biggest news from Cisco Live, from the actual notes Kat took during the sessions, to Ian's adventures. We also tackle the tough topics of what our Uber ratings are, how to pronounce "data," our thoughts on San Diego and what makes a good party at a conference. Something for everyone (especially those above a 4.9 Uber rating)! Short and sweet! If you came to listen to this episode to learn something about Cisco's soluti...
Jun 23, 2025•10 min
We're talking everything influencer marketing this week, from the influencer(s?) themself. From internal influencers and employee advocacy to finding the right "celebrity" to support your brand, we share what we've learned. Shoutout to the Giggly Squad. Kat shares what goes into making good influencer content based on her own experiences, and we find ourselves talking AI again...is Bing actually important? Somehow along the way, we end up power ranking our old email accounts (turns out Kat had t...
Jun 16, 2025•20 min
