Tech Talks Daily - podcast cover

Tech Talks Daily

Neil C. Hughestechtalksnetwork.com
If every company is now a tech company and digital transformation is a journey rather than a destination, how do you keep up with the relentless pace of technological change? Every day, Tech Talks Daily brings you insights from the brightest minds in tech, business, and innovation, breaking down complex ideas into clear, actionable takeaways. Hosted by Neil C. Hughes, Tech Talks Daily explores how emerging technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, fintech, quantum computing, Web3, and more are shaping industries and solving real-world challenges in modern businesses. Through candid conversations with industry leaders, CEOs, Fortune 500 executives, startup founders, and even the occasional celebrity, Tech Talks Daily uncovers the trends driving digital transformation and the strategies behind successful tech adoption. But this isn't just about buzzwords. We go beyond the hype to demystify the biggest tech trends and determine their real-world impact. From cybersecurity and blockchain to AI sovereignty, robotics, and post-quantum cryptography, we explore the measurable difference these innovations can make. Whether improving security, enhancing customer experiences, or driving business growth, we also investigate the ROI of cutting-edge tech projects, asking the tough questions about what works, what doesn't, and how businesses can maximize their investments. Whether you're a business leader, IT professional, or simply curious about technology's role in our lives, you'll find engaging discussions that challenge perspectives, share diverse viewpoints, and spark new ideas. New episodes are released daily, 365 days a year, breaking down complex ideas into clear, actionable takeaways around technology and the future of business.
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Episodes

3225: Inside Microsoft's Vision for Cloud PCs and Hybrid Work

What happens when Microsoft joins forces with IGEL to reimagine the future of endpoint computing? In today's episode, recorded live at IGEL's Now & Next 2025 in Miami, I sit down with Scott Manchester, Vice President of Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop at Microsoft. With decades of experience at the helm of virtualization and cloud innovation, Scott brings a grounded yet forward-looking view of how Microsoft is enabling businesses to adapt to the evolving demands of work. Our conversati...

Mar 30, 202523 minEp. 3225

3224: Omnissa and the Future of Unified Digital Workspaces

What does bringing clarity and control to today's fragmented digital work environments take? In this episode, recorded live at IGEL Now & Next 2025, I sit down with Tommy Walker, Partner CTO at Omnissa, to explore the intersection of user experience, security, and operational simplicity in modern enterprise IT. With career-spanning roles at VMware, Citrix, and Cisco, Tommy offers a real-world perspective on navigating complexity while building meaningful solutions that work at scale. This is...

Mar 29, 202521 minEp. 3224

3223: Gartner Insights on the Future of Endpoint Security and EUC Strategies

What does it truly take to secure the edge of the enterprise in a multi-cloud, AI-driven world? At IGEL Now & Next 2025 in Miami, I sat down with Marissa Schmidt, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, to unpack the future of endpoint computing and cybersecurity from a perspective rooted in deep research, hands-on insight, and strategic clarity. As hybrid work continues to scale and the cloud cements itself as the core of modern infrastructure, new demands are being placed on endpoint operating...

Mar 28, 202517 minEp. 3223

3222: IGEL CEO Klaus Oestermann on Rewriting the Rules of Endpoint Computing

What does it really take to reimagine the future of endpoint computing? In this special episode recorded live from IGEL's Now and Next 2025 event in Miami, I sit down with Klaus Oestermann, CEO of IGEL, to explore how cybersecurity, digital workspaces, and user experience are being transformed at the edge. Klaus is no stranger to innovation, having spent decades in high-assurance security across critical industries, and now leading IGEL's mission to simplify, secure, and modernize how enterprise...

Mar 27, 202524 minEp. 3222

3220: IBM Consulting Unpacks The Great Tech Reset

What's the return on your AI investment? In today's episode, I'm joined by Varun Bijlani, Global Managing Partner for Hybrid Cloud Services at IBM Consulting, to explore why 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for IT leaders under pressure to deliver stronger, measurable outcomes from technology investments. While many IT projects have historically delivered modest returns, expectations are rising. With a growing number of executives focused on increasing ROI by 25 percent or more, the abili...

Mar 25, 202526 minEp. 3220

3219: Orange Business on Empowering the Factory Floor with AI and AR

What can the UK learn from the Nordic approach to manufacturing—and how can technology play a central role in revitalising the sector? This week on Tech Talks Daily, I sat down with Simon Ranyard, Managing Director for Northwest Europe at Orange Business, to explore the strategic differences between two regions facing similar challenges but moving in very different directions. Simon brings a unique cross-regional view, overseeing Orange Business operations across the UK, Ireland, and the Nordics...

Mar 25, 202525 minEp. 3219

3218: Freshworks CEO Shares Why Speed and ROI Matter in AI Adoption

How do you turn AI investment into measurable outcomes, not just inflated expectations? In this episode, I'm joined by Dennis Woodside, CEO of Freshworks, to unpack how mid-sized businesses can move fast with AI, show results quickly, and stay competitive without enterprise-level complexity or pricing. Dennis shares how Freshworks is helping companies achieve real productivity gains and customer support improvements through accessible, enterprise-grade AI tools. With solutions that boost agent p...

Mar 24, 202530 minEp. 3218

3217: How Indeed.com Uses Research to Drive Strategic Action Across Teams

Why do so many businesses struggle to turn insight into impact? At the X4 Summit in Salt Lake City, I sat down with Adam Hagerman, UX Research Director at Indeed, for a refreshingly candid conversation about how his team has helped reshape the company's approach to research, collaboration, and decision-making. In a tech culture that values autonomy and individualism, aligning people around a shared understanding of user needs is no small feat—but it's exactly what Adam has been working on. In th...

Mar 23, 202517 minEp. 3217

3216: Rethinking Distributed Work with Atlassian's Teamwork Lab and People Insights Leaders

How do we build high-performing teams in a world where colleagues might never meet face to face? At the X4 Summit in Salt Lake City, I caught up with two standout voices from Atlassian—Molly Sands, Head of the Teamwork Lab, and Emma Crockett, Head of People Insights. Together, they bring a rich mix of behavioral science, experimentation, and data-driven strategy to the future of work. In this episode, we unpack what it really takes to design distributed work environments that foster both product...

Mar 22, 202521 minEp. 3216

3215: How Hagerty is Preserving Car Culture with Tech and Community

What does it take to keep a 40-year-old brand rooted in nostalgia relevant in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven world? In this special episode recorded live from the X4 Summit in Salt Lake City, I sit down with Maggie Stafford, Vice President of People Insights at Hagerty, to explore how a company best known for classic car insurance has become a technology-enabled, community-powered lifestyle brand for auto enthusiasts. From cloud-based transformation to one-on-one customer experiences, Maggie sh...

Mar 21, 202517 min

3214: AI-Enabled CX: Unlocking an $860 Billion Opportunity with Isabelle Zdatny from Qualtrics XM Institute

Can AI truly revolutionize customer experience, or is it just another overhyped tech trend? While most organizations recognize AI's potential, many are still struggling to scale AI beyond pilot projects. So, what's holding them back? In this episode, recorded live at the X4 Summit in Salt Lake City, I sit down with Isabelle Zdatny, Head of Thought Leadership at Qualtrics XM Institute, to explore the $860 billion opportunity AI presents for customer experience. We discuss why only 12% of organiza...

Mar 20, 202521 minEp. 3214

3213: Redwood Software on How Automation Fabrics Drive Efficiency and Innovation

Many businesses have embraced automation, but disconnected systems and fragmented workflows still create inefficiencies. In this episode, I sit down with Charles Crouchman, Chief Product Officer at Redwood Software, to explore how organizations can build an automation fabric. a unified approach that connects processes across legacy infrastructure and modern cloud environments. Charles explains why automation fabrics matter, how businesses can identify the best processes to automate, and why a we...

Mar 19, 202525 minEp. 3213

3212: From Log4J to MOVEit: What Cyber Crises Teach Us About Leadership

When a cyber crisis strikes, leaders face intense pressure to make rapid decisions that can determine the fate of their organizations. In this episode, I sit down with Dan Potter, Senior Director of Operational Resilience at Immersive, to explore how leaders can effectively manage high-stakes cyber incidents. From major crises like MOVEit and Log4J to the evolving landscape of AI-driven threats, Dan shares practical insights on what businesses can learn from past events to strengthen their respo...

Mar 18, 202533 minEp. 3212

3211: How Trustpilot Is Fighting Fake Reviews With Tech

Online reviews shape consumer trust, but what happens when those reviews can't be trusted? In this episode, I sit down with Anoop Joshi, Chief Trust Officer at Trustpilot, to discuss the ongoing battle against fake reviews and the role of AI in both creating and detecting fraudulent content. With over 300 million reviews on its platform, Trustpilot has been at the forefront of combating fake reviews, recently winning 10 legal cases in the UK against bad actors. As the FTC cracks down on deceptiv...

Mar 17, 202537 minEp. 3211

3210: How GSK is Speeding up Drug Discovery Timelines With AI

The future of medicine is being shaped by technology, and few companies are pushing the boundaries like GSK. In this episode, I sit down with Christopher Austin, Head of Research Technologies at GSK, to explore how AI, data science, and cutting-edge digital capabilities are revolutionizing drug discovery and development. Chris shares how GSK is harnessing vast datasets, AI-driven insights, and genetic validation to speed up the identification of promising drug targets. We discuss how computation...

Mar 16, 202537 minEp. 3210

3209: How AI-Powered Storytelling is Redefining Museums and Theme Parks

AI is transforming the way we experience storytelling, and few people understand this shift better than Geoff Thatcher. As the Creative Director behind the GAME ON! AI Experience at the College Football Hall of Fame, Geoff is pioneering how AI can place visitors at the heart of an attraction—turning spectators into active participants. In this episode, we explore the intersection of AI, immersive storytelling, and the evolving expectations of audiences. Geoff shares how AI-powered personalizatio...

Mar 15, 202552 minEp. 3209

3208: How Zynga Is Redefining Mobile Gaming for Brands and Advertisers

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Cerisse Velasco, Director of Midwest and Retail Media Brand Partnerships at Zynga, to explore how mobile gaming is reshaping digital advertising and brand engagement. While gaming has long been associated with teenage boys in basements, the reality is quite different—Zynga's audience is predominantly Millennial and Gen X women, a demographic that's often overlooked in marketing strategies. With mobile games like Words with Friends, Game of Thr...

Mar 14, 202524 minEp. 3208

3207: The Future of AI in Business: Learn, Apply, and Lead

AI is transforming businesses' operations, but are executives ready to lead this revolution? In this episode, I sit down with Greg Shove, CEO of Section, to discuss the most significant mistakes leaders make when adopting AI and why many companies are falling behind despite all the hype. Greg, a seasoned entrepreneur and AI strategist, shares why leaders must go beyond buzzwords and get hands-on with AI to drive real impact. He explains how organizations can build a scrappy but effective AI stra...

Mar 13, 202541 minEp. 3207

3206: How IBS Software Is Tackling Legacy Tech Challenges in Travel

The travel industry is at a turning point. While demand for seamless, personalized experiences has never been higher, many airlines, hotels, and travel businesses are still operating on decades-old technology that hinders innovation. In this episode, I sit down with Somit Goyal, CEO of IBS Software, to explore how the industry can break free from legacy systems and embrace a digital-first future. With a background that includes over a decade at Microsoft and now leading one of the biggest travel...

Mar 12, 202528 minEp. 3206

3205: The Legacy Tech Dilemma: Kyndryl's Strategy for Securing Aging Systems

In today's hyper-connected world, the explosion of IoT devices is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape—but are businesses keeping up? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Paul Savill, Global Practice Leader of Networking and Edge Compute at Kyndryl, to explore why traditional IT security strategies are no longer enough. With IoT-related cyberattacks rising at double-digit rates year over year and the global number of IoT devices projected to reach 25.4 billion by 2030, enterpris...

Mar 11, 202527 minEp. 3205

3204: Empowering Women in Tech: Confidence, Leadership, and Career Growth

How can women in tech overcome imposter syndrome, build confidence, and support the next generation of leaders? In this special International Women's Day episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Stacey Fournier-Thibodaux, President of Cask NX, to discuss the challenges and opportunities women face in the technology and consulting industries. With over 20 years of experience in professional services, global IT service delivery, and leadership at the largest pure-play ServiceNow partner, Stace...

Mar 10, 202536 minEp. 3204

3203: The Creator of Spotify Playlists on the Future of Music and Fan Engagement

How are fan relationships reshaping the music industry and beyond? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily , I sit down with Nick Holmstén, the visionary behind Spotify Playlists and former Global Head of Music at Spotify, to explore how fandom is becoming the driving force behind brand and artist success. Nick shares his journey from building Tunigo—acquired by Spotify to leading TSX Entertainment in Times Square and now focusing on the future of artist-fan connections. With streaming, social media...

Mar 09, 202540 minEp. 3203

3202: How OpenUK is Driving Open Technology, AI Transparency, and Global Standards

How is open source shaping the future of technology, governance, and AI regulation? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Amanda Brock, CEO of OpenUK, to explore the evolving role of open source in the age of AI, the shifting geopolitical landscape, and the ongoing push for diversity in tech. Since our last conversation, AI has taken center stage, raising urgent questions about transparency, intellectual property, and the future of open innovation. Amanda shares insights on how Op...

Mar 08, 202535 minEp. 3202

3201: How Boomerang Is Using AI to Turn Lost & Found Into A CX Advantage

How can something as simple as returning a lost item transform customer experience and brand loyalty? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily , I sit down with Skyler Logsdon, CEO & Co-founder of Boomerang, to explore how his company is redefining the lost & found process through AI-powered automation. Boomerang isn't just helping businesses return lost belongings—it's turning those moments of frustration into powerful customer engagement opportunities. With major brands like Wells Fargo Cen...

Mar 07, 202530 minEp. 3201

3200: CitiusTech on Trust, Transparency, and AI in Healthcare

How can AI drive the next wave of innovation in healthcare while ensuring trust, security, and compliance? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily , I sit down with Rajan Kohli, CEO of CitiusTech, to explore how agentic AI is reshaping healthcare. From personalized patient care to streamlining clinical workflows. As AI systems take on more decision-making responsibilities, the challenge is not just about advancing technology but ensuring it operates transparently, ethically, and securely. Rajan shar...

Mar 06, 202528 minEp. 3200

3199: How Deloitte is Helping Businesses Combat AI-Driven Fraud

How can businesses stay ahead of the rapidly evolving risks of AI-driven fraud? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily , I sit down with Bradley Niedzielski, Audit & Assurance Partner, Digital Transformation at Deloitte, to explore the growing threat of generative AI in financial fraud and how organizations can strengthen their defenses. With deepfake technology, synthetic identities, and AI-generated forgeries becoming more sophisticated, traditional fraud detection methods are struggling to k...

Mar 05, 202520 minEp. 3199

3198: Logitech on Hybrid Work: Why It's About How You Work, Not Where

What does the future of work look like in an era of hybrid models and AI-powered collaboration? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with James Campanini from Logitech to explore how workplace technology is evolving to empower productivity, foster inclusivity, and reshape how we think about collaboration—beyond office walls. For over 45 years, Logitech has connected people to the digital world, from early peripherals like mice and keyboards to today's advanced video conferencing and A...

Mar 04, 202527 minEp. 3198

3197: Breaking the Black Box: How Maisa AI Ensures Full Traceability in AI Decisions

How can businesses deploy AI with full transparency, accountability, and trust? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily , I sit down with David Villalón, co-founder of Maisa AI, to explore how their agentic AI technology is transforming enterprise decision-making. With many organizations still hesitant to integrate AI due to concerns over trust, hallucinations, and lack of explainability, Maisa has taken a different approach—ensuring full traceability in AI-driven processes. David introduces Maisa's...

Mar 03, 202531 minEp. 3197

3196: Where Do We Go Next With Tech Talks Daily?

Are you getting what you need from Tech Talks Daily? Or is there something missing? In this episode, I'm stepping back from interviews to check in with you—my incredible listeners. I know I'm guilty of keeping my head down, recording back-to-back conversations, and pushing out episodes without stopping to ask: What do you want to hear more of? What should I cover less? Are there industries or tech trends you think deserve more attention? This show is all about exploring the impact of technology ...

Mar 02, 20258 minEp. 3196

3195: How Wavemaker is Driving Innovation with AI and Immersive Tech

How can brands leverage emerging technologies to drive real business results? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily , I sit down with Sarah Salter, Global Head of Innovation and Platforms at Wavemaker, to explore how companies can move beyond hype and apply AI, AR/VR, and other innovations in ways that truly engage consumers and deliver measurable impact. With a background spanning 15 years and work on groundbreaking projects for brands like P&G, Nationwide, and the NHS, Sarah brings a unique ...

Mar 01, 202535 minEp. 3195
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