Shows
The Consulting Technology PodcastThe Gymnast Who Became a Tech CEO - The CognaCastIn this episode of The CognaCast, host John Kerr sits down with Tomas David Ye, Founder and CEO of Perseuss, to explore a remarkable journey from junior Olympic gymnast to Amazon engineer and now tech entrepreneur.Tomas shares how he’s using AI and cutting-edge logistics software to bring Amazon-grade technology to companies of all sizes, why timing matters more than ambition in entrepreneurship, and how gamification can transform repetitive work into something motivating and fun.We also dive into the mindset needed to navigate uncertainty, the lessons learned building a SaaS company, and the su...2025-06-301h 01The Consulting Technology PodcastThey Quit Their Jobs to Cycle the World - The CognaCastWhat happens when two successful professionals leave everything behind to cycle the world? Meet Justin and Sharon Scholz, Ultra Athletes who traded business suits for bike shorts and set off on a multi-year journey around the globe.In this episode, host John Kerr sits down with Justin and Sharon to explore the moment they decided to step away from their careers and embrace a life of adventure. From their early professional lives to the decision to become endurance athletes, we unpack the mindset, challenges, and joys of traveling the world together on two wheels.Whether...2025-06-161h 10The Consulting Technology PodcastEpisode 9: Aaron Berkovich on Establishing a Creative Studio in China, Trust in Client Relations, and the Power of StorytellingHow do you build a successful creative studio in one of the world’s most competitive markets, especially when starting with no local network and limited language skills?In this episode, John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z sit down with Aaron Berkovich, founder of Peking Productions, a China-based creative agency that works with multinational corporations, global brands, and international governments. Aaron shares his journey of navigating cultural barriers, earning trust, and creating impactful storytelling that helps organizations align their branding and communication strategies.Key topics include: Aaron’s path from...2025-02-2828 minThe Consulting Technology PodcastEpisode 8: Root Cause Analysis, Custom GPTs, and Human-Centered Tech with Melissa DavisJoin host John Kerr and co-host Dr. Samuel Z as they sit down with Melissa Davis, a Senior Technical Program Manager and Mindset Architect, for an enlightening conversation about the human side of technology.
In this episode, Melissa shares her unconventional journey into the tech world, transitioning from roles in veterinary medicine and construction to leading technical teams in engineering and root cause analysis. She highlights critical, often-overlooked skills in tech, such as storytelling, community-building, and active listening, and explains how these skills drive innovation and solve systemic issues.
Melissa also delves into her pioneering...2025-01-0953 min
The Cogna-CatchUpEpisode 13: AI Arms Race, Ransomware, and Gender Bias in TechnologyIn this week’s episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and resident expert Dr. Samuel Z unpack the top stories shaping the world of tech, AI, and cybersecurity. Join us as we explore:
The UK’s Call for AI Leadership: How an £8 million investment in AI security research is pushing NATO to lead the AI arms race.
Ransomware’s Rising Threat: Starbucks becomes the latest victim, disrupting payroll systems for thousands of employees.
Antitrust Investigations in Big Tech: Microsoft and Meta face scrutiny in the U.S. and Europe over anti-competitive practices.
TikTok’s Influence on Gen Z: Why yo...2024-12-1614 minThe Cogna-CatchUpEpisode 2: The Rapid Adoption of Generative AI, Google’s Monopoly, and Tesla's Robo Taxi LaunchIn this episode of CognaCatchUp, host John Kerr is joined by resident expert Dr. Samuel Z and special guest Justin Broadbent to explore the week's biggest tech and business news. Topics include the rapid adoption of generative AI, the U.S. Department of Justice's antitrust case against Google, and Tesla's launch of its highly anticipated robo taxi service. Tune in for expert insights, engaging discussions, and updates on the latest tech trends!
2024-12-1222 minThe Cogna-CatchUpEpisode 3: AI Trends, Tesla's Self-Driving Probe, and Big Tech Leadership ShiftsIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z dive into the latest technology and AI news. They cover Gartner’s top AI trends for 2024, Tesla’s self-driving technology under regulatory scrutiny, leadership changes at Google, Amazon’s AI-powered retail analytics, and Apple’s new sustainability initiatives with iPhone recycling.
Get expert insights into how these developments are shaping the future of tech and business.
Learn more at www.cognacore.com
Connect with Dr. Samuel Z on LinkedIn: Dr. Samuel Z, PhD
Connect with John Kerr on LinkedIn: John...2024-12-1208 minThe Cogna-CatchUpEpisode 4: Nuclear-Powered Data Centers, Meta's Metaverse Losses, and SpaceX’s Next Big LaunchIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z break down the latest technology and business news.
Topics include:
Nuclear-Powered Data Centers: How Amazon and Google are using nuclear energy to meet the growing demands of AI-driven services.
Hugging Face's Acquisition: What the acquisition of Exithub means for AI infrastructure.
Netflix's Subscriber Surge: Despite price hikes, Netflix expands its reach with international content and gaming services.
Meta’s Metaverse Investments: Zuckerberg doubles down on AR/VR despite financial losses.
SpaceX’s Starship: The comp...2024-12-1209 minThe Cogna-CatchUpEpisode 5: Cybersecurity Month, AI Lawsuits, and Huawei's Surge in ChinaIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z discuss some of the most pressing tech and business stories. Topics include:
Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Tips for staying safe online and promoting security within organizations.
AI Under Legal Scrutiny: A tragic case involving Character.AI has raised new questions about AI's role in mental health and potential legal responsibilities.
Generative AI in the Workplace: KPMG's report on the impact of generative AI highlights how 44% of companies are scaling up their AI initiatives, though only a fraction have ROI metrics.
2024-12-1209 minThe Cogna-CatchUpEpisode 6: Delta vs. CrowdStrike, Apple’s Vision Pro, and Major AI UpgradesIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z break down the latest tech and cybersecurity news. Topics include:
Delta Airlines’ Lawsuit Against CrowdStrike: Delta sues CrowdStrike over a software update they claim caused massive disruptions, highlighting the ongoing tension between legacy systems and modern cybersecurity approaches.
Apple’s Vision Pro Slowdown: Due to lower-than-expected sales, Apple is scaling back production of its mixed reality headset and focusing on a more budget-friendly model.
Meta Partners with Reuters: Meta teams up with Reuters to integrate real-time news into its AI chat...2024-12-1211 minThe Cogna-CatchUpEpisode 7: AI-Driven Phone Scams, Visa's AI Push, and Crypto ETF SurgeIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z explore some of the most pressing AI and tech trends. Topics include:
AI-Driven Phone Scams: How scammers are using AI to mimic voices and target the hospitality industry, posing new challenges for cybersecurity.
OpenAI vs. Google Search: ChatGPT’s new search features position it as a competitor to Google, marking a potential shift in search dominance.
Visa’s AI Investments: Visa has integrated over 500 AI applications across its operations, even as it restructures its workforce.
AI Bias in Job...2024-12-1213 minThe Cogna-CatchUpEpisode 8: AI Energy Demands, Data Privacy Concerns, and AI-Generated GamingIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z cover the latest tech and AI news, exploring the impact of emerging technologies across sectors. Key topics include:
AI’s Growing Energy Needs: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) reviews data center placements near power plants as AI energy demands surge, raising questions about public vs. private sector energy use.
Meta’s Financial Data Practices: The CFPB considers action against Meta for potentially mishandling financial data in ads, signaling a potential shift in big tech regulation.
Automatic Flight Refunds: New DOT...2024-12-1216 minThe Cogna-CatchUpEpisode 9: AI's Impact on Education, Startup Surge, and Nvidia’s Market DominanceIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z dive into the latest trends in tech and AI. Topics include:
Startup Activity Amidst Economic Challenges: Despite financial uncertainty, startups are thriving with a surge in funding, acquisitions, and innovation, especially among solo founders leveraging AI.
Nvidia’s Market Reign: Nvidia reclaims its title as the most valuable tech company, thanks to its pivotal role in AI and advanced GPU technology.
Reevaluating AI Benchmarks: As AI evolves, companies are rethinking model testing standards to ensure transparency and accuracy in diverse ap...2024-12-1209 minThe Cogna-CatchUpEpisode 10: AI Ethics, Urban Resilience, and Big Tech RegulationIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z unpack some of the week’s biggest stories in tech, AI, and policy. Topics include:
Canada Orders TikTok to Dissolve Operations: National security concerns lead to TikTok’s Canadian subsidiary being shut down, reflecting growing apprehensions about foreign influence and data privacy.
Zuckerberg Cleared in Social Media Harm Lawsuit: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg avoids personal liability in lawsuits regarding social media’s impact on minors, though legal challenges for Meta persist.
AI for Natural Disaster Management: Cities are increasingly adopting AI to...2024-12-1212 minThe Cogna-CatchUpEpisode 12: AI Ethics, Cybersecurity, and Big Tech MovesIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and resident expert Dr. Samuel Z discuss the latest trends and challenges in tech, AI, and innovation.
Topics include:
Deepfake Scandals in Schools: The alarming rise of AI-generated explicit images among minors and its implications for privacy and legal reform.
Holiday Shopping Fraud: How scammers exploit the season with fraudulent shopping sites and tips from the FBI on staying safe.
Elon Musk Deepfakes: The surge of AI scams using hyper-realistic deepfakes of public figures to defraud individuals and corporations.
Canada’s...2024-12-1214 minThe Cogna-CatchUpEpisode 1: AI Legislation, Visa Antitrust, and Meta's New AR GlassesJoin host John Kerr and resident expert Dr. Samuel Z in the debut episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, where they explore the most pressing business and technology news. This week’s topics include California’s veto of the AI safety bill, the Department of Justice’s antitrust case against Visa, and Meta’s latest push into augmented reality with their new AR glasses. Stay informed with expert insights and engaging discussions on the latest tech trends!
For more information visit www.cognacore.com/podcast
2024-12-1229 minThe Cogna-CatchUpEpisode 11: Labor Strikes, AI Ethics, and Global Tech TrendsIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and resident expert Dr. Samuel Z dive into the week’s biggest stories in tech, AI, and innovation. Highlights include:
Amazon Worker Strikes on Black Friday: A global protest highlights growing tensions over labor practices in the tech giant’s supply chain.
Australia’s Social Media Ban for Minors: Controversial legislation aims to protect children but raises concerns over practical implementation.
AI Deployment Playbook: PwC and Microsoft release a guide for scaling AI responsibly, emphasizing infrastructure, cybersecurity, and workforce upskilling.
AI in Milita...2024-12-1213 minThe Consulting Technology PodcastThe Cogna-CatchUp - Episode 12: AI Ethics, Cybersecurity, and Big Tech MovesIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and resident expert Dr. Samuel Z discuss the latest trends and challenges in tech, AI, and innovation.
Topics include:
Deepfake Scandals in Schools: The alarming rise of AI-generated explicit images among minors and its implications for privacy and legal reform.
Holiday Shopping Fraud: How scammers exploit the season with fraudulent shopping sites and tips from the FBI on staying safe.
Elon Musk Deepfakes: The surge of AI scams using hyper-realistic deepfakes of public figures to defraud individuals and corporations.
Canada’s Antitrust Lawsuit Against Google: Examining allegations of...2024-12-1014 minThe Consulting Technology PodcastThe Cogna-CatchUp - Episode 11: Labor Strikes, AI Ethics, and Global Tech TrendsIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and resident expert Dr. Samuel Z dive into the week’s biggest stories in tech, AI, and innovation. Highlights include:
Amazon Worker Strikes on Black Friday: A global protest highlights growing tensions over labor practices in the tech giant’s supply chain.
Australia’s Social Media Ban for Minors: Controversial legislation aims to protect children but raises concerns over practical implementation.
AI Deployment Playbook: PwC and Microsoft release a guide for scaling AI responsibly, emphasizing infrastructure, cybersecurity, and workforce upskilling.
AI in Military Applications: Major companies like Meta and OpenAI...2024-12-0313 minThe Consulting Technology PodcastEpisode 7: Reimagining Innovation, VR, AI, and Startup Lessons with Trond NilsenIn this episode of The Consulting Technology Podcast, hosts John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z are joined by special guest Trond Nilsen, a multi-disciplinary technologist whose career spans AI, VR, AR, gaming, healthcare, and education. Together, they discuss how emerging technologies are transforming industries and provide actionable insights for consultants, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts.
Key topics include:
Using VR and AR to improve healthcare and education
Lessons from failures and pivots in the startup ecosystem
How to tackle regional challenges in emerging economies with AI and analytics
Practical advice for navigating ethical considerations in AI development
2024-11-2654 minThe Consulting Technology PodcastThe Cogna-CatchUp - Episode 10: AI Ethics, Urban Resilience, and Big Tech RegulationIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z unpack some of the week’s biggest stories in tech, AI, and policy. Topics include:
Canada Orders TikTok to Dissolve Operations: National security concerns lead to TikTok’s Canadian subsidiary being shut down, reflecting growing apprehensions about foreign influence and data privacy.
Zuckerberg Cleared in Social Media Harm Lawsuit: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg avoids personal liability in lawsuits regarding social media’s impact on minors, though legal challenges for Meta persist.
AI for Natural Disaster Management: Cities are increasingly adopting AI to predic...2024-11-2212 minThe Consulting Technology PodcastEpisode 6: Phone-First Marketing and AI Efficiency with Ben MilsomIn this episode of The Consulting Technology Podcast, host John Kerr welcomes Ben Milsom, founder of Steady Bow Marketing and best-selling author of Talk More, Type Less.
Ben shares his unique approach to building trust with non-traditional clients, integrating AI into daily workflows, and leveraging a phone-first marketing strategy to drive business growth.
Key topics include:
How to connect with underserved clients and simplify complex tech concepts.
Using AI tools like call-recording hardware and custom GPTs to enhance productivity.
Insights from Ben's book, Talk More, Type Less, on improving communication in the digital age.
...2024-11-1833 minThe Consulting Technology PodcastThe Cogna-CatchUp - Episode 9: AI's Impact on Education, Startup Surge, and Nvidia’s Market DominanceIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z dive into the latest trends in tech and AI. Topics include:
Startup Activity Amidst Economic Challenges: Despite financial uncertainty, startups are thriving with a surge in funding, acquisitions, and innovation, especially among solo founders leveraging AI.
Nvidia’s Market Reign: Nvidia reclaims its title as the most valuable tech company, thanks to its pivotal role in AI and advanced GPU technology.
Reevaluating AI Benchmarks: As AI evolves, companies are rethinking model testing standards to ensure transparency and accuracy in diverse applications.
Australia’s Proposed Social Medi...2024-11-1309 minThe Consulting Technology PodcastEpisode 5: Navigating AI in Healthcare with Joseph KellerIn this episode of The Consulting Technology Podcast, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z are joined by Joseph Keller, a seasoned Business Advisor in the healthcare insurance industry. Joseph shares his insights into the potential of AI in healthcare and health insurance, discussing why the industry has been slow to adopt AI, the barriers to entry, and how regulatory and economic factors shape this unique environment.
Topics covered include:
Why AI adoption is challenging in healthcare
Regulatory and compliance hurdles in the industry
Potential solutions to accelerate AI implementation
How AI can impact cost, access...2024-11-1134 minThe Consulting Technology PodcastThe Cogna-CatchUp - Episode 8: AI Energy Demands, Data Privacy Concerns, and AI-Generated GamingIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z cover the latest tech and AI news, exploring the impact of emerging technologies across sectors. Key topics include:
AI’s Growing Energy Needs: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) reviews data center placements near power plants as AI energy demands surge, raising questions about public vs. private sector energy use.
Meta’s Financial Data Practices: The CFPB considers action against Meta for potentially mishandling financial data in ads, signaling a potential shift in big tech regulation.
Automatic Flight Refunds: New DOT rules mandate that airlines auto...2024-11-0716 minThe Consulting Technology PodcastThe Cogna-CatchUp - Episode 7: AI-Driven Phone Scams, Visa's AI Push, and Crypto ETF SurgeIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z explore some of the most pressing AI and tech trends. Topics include:
AI-Driven Phone Scams: How scammers are using AI to mimic voices and target the hospitality industry, posing new challenges for cybersecurity.
OpenAI vs. Google Search: ChatGPT’s new search features position it as a competitor to Google, marking a potential shift in search dominance.
Visa’s AI Investments: Visa has integrated over 500 AI applications across its operations, even as it restructures its workforce.
AI Bias in Job Recruitment: A recent Forbes survey shows that...2024-11-0513 minThe Consulting Technology PodcastEpisode 4: AI, AR, and Financial Engineering with Mike O'SheaIn this episode of The Consulting Technology Podcast, host John Kerr is joined by Dr. Samuel Z and Justin Broadbent to welcome Mike O'Shea, a Principal Software Engineer at a leading portfolio and digital financial company. Mike shares his journey from physics and early computing to a versatile career spanning military, aeronautics, and finance. The discussion delves into the integration of AR in industrial applications, the evolving role of AI in financial engineering, and the ethical implications of machine learning. Mike also provides insights into lifelong learning in the rapidly changing tech landscape and presents a thought-provoking scenario on...2024-11-0447 minThe Consulting Technology PodcastThe Cogna-CatchUp - Episode 6: Delta vs. CrowdStrike, Apple’s Vision Pro, and Major AI UpgradesIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z break down the latest tech and cybersecurity news. Topics include:
Delta Airlines’ Lawsuit Against CrowdStrike: Delta sues CrowdStrike over a software update they claim caused massive disruptions, highlighting the ongoing tension between legacy systems and modern cybersecurity approaches.
Apple’s Vision Pro Slowdown: Due to lower-than-expected sales, Apple is scaling back production of its mixed reality headset and focusing on a more budget-friendly model.
Meta Partners with Reuters: Meta teams up with Reuters to integrate real-time news into its AI chatbot, marking a trend of tech...2024-10-3011 minThe Consulting Technology PodcastThe Cogna-CatchUp - Episode 5: Cybersecurity Month, AI Lawsuits, and Huawei's Surge in ChinaIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z discuss some of the most pressing tech and business stories. Topics include:
Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Tips for staying safe online and promoting security within organizations.
AI Under Legal Scrutiny: A tragic case involving Character.AI has raised new questions about AI's role in mental health and potential legal responsibilities.
Generative AI in the Workplace: KPMG's report on the impact of generative AI highlights how 44% of companies are scaling up their AI initiatives, though only a fraction have ROI metrics.
Apple vs. Huawei in China: With...2024-10-2909 minThe Consulting Technology PodcastEpisode 3: Navigating Technology Adoption in Startups with Dr. Sung Ho ParkIn this episode of The Consulting Technology Podcast, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z are joined by Dr. Sung Ho Park, professor at the Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon. They explore key challenges and trends in technology adoption and growth within the modern startup ecosystem. Dr. Park shares insights from his research, including the evolving role of generative AI, the significance of accelerators, and the impact of machine learning on venture growth. This episode is packed with valuable insights for entrepreneurs, consultants, and anyone navigating the tech startup world.
🔗 Discover more about Cog...2024-10-2836 minThe Consulting Technology PodcastEpisode 2: AI and Digital Transformation in Developing Nations with Christian QuevedoIn this episode of The Consulting Technology Podcast, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z are joined by distinguished researcher Christian Quevedo Lezama. They discuss the transformative impact of AI and digital transformation in developing nations. Christian shares insights on how AI is reshaping industries, overcoming infrastructure challenges, and creating unique business opportunities in emerging markets. The conversation also explores lessons developed nations can learn from these initiatives and offers strategies for consultants working in these dynamic environments.
🔗 Discover more about Cognacore’s work in AI and digital transformation at www.cognacore.com🔗 Connect with Dr. Samuel Z...2024-10-2636 minThe Consulting Technology PodcastThe Cogna-CatchUp - Episode 4: Nuclear-Powered Data Centers, Meta's Metaverse Losses, and SpaceX’s Next Big LaunchIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z break down the latest technology and business news.
Topics include:
Nuclear-Powered Data Centers: How Amazon and Google are using nuclear energy to meet the growing demands of AI-driven services.
Hugging Face's Acquisition: What the acquisition of Exithub means for AI infrastructure.
Netflix's Subscriber Surge: Despite price hikes, Netflix expands its reach with international content and gaming services.
Meta’s Metaverse Investments: Zuckerberg doubles down on AR/VR despite financial losses.
SpaceX’s Starship: The company gears up for its second orbital launch test and...2024-10-2309 minThe Consulting Technology PodcastThe Cogna-CatchUp - Episode 3: AI Trends, Tesla's Self-Driving Probe, and Big Tech Leadership ShiftsIn this episode of The Cogna-CatchUp, host John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z dive into the latest technology and AI news. They cover Gartner’s top AI trends for 2024, Tesla’s self-driving technology under regulatory scrutiny, leadership changes at Google, Amazon’s AI-powered retail analytics, and Apple’s new sustainability initiatives with iPhone recycling.
Get expert insights into how these developments are shaping the future of tech and business.
Learn more at www.cognacore.com
Connect with Dr. Samuel Z on LinkedIn: Dr. Samuel Z, PhD
Connect with John Kerr on LinkedIn: John Kerr
Follow...2024-10-2308 minThe Consulting Technology PodcastEpisode 1: Navigating AI Adoption in Regulated Industries with Justin BroadbentIn the inaugural episode of The Consulting Technology Podcast, host John Kerr from Cognacore is joined by Dr. Samuel Z and guest Justin Broadbent, a senior site reliability engineer and DevOps expert at a multinational investment bank. They dive into the challenges consultants face when implementing AI and IT solutions in heavily regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and government. From balancing innovation with compliance to presenting strong value propositions to clients, this episode offers insights into navigating AI adoption while adhering to industry regulations.
To stay informed, visit us at www.cognacore.com2024-10-1423 min