Shows
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceBig moments in AI from Y2K to ChatGPTThe rise of AI isn’t just about smarter machines—it’s about reshaping the way we work, create, and innovate. In the season finale of The Catalyst by Softchoice, Heather Haskin sits down with Gil Press, senior contributor at Forbes, to trace the modern history of AI. From the early breakthroughs in deep learning to the rise of generative AI, Press explores the key moments that shaped the AI industry and where the technology is headed next. Featuring: Gil Press, Senior Contributor at Forbes The Catalyst by Softchoice is the pod...2025-02-1920 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceFrom hard hats to high tech: Rachel Skaff’s journey to AWS and the importance of DEIThe future of tech isn’t just about speed and innovation—it’s about who gets a seat at the table. In this episode of The Catalyst by Softchoice, Rachel Skaff, AWS Managing Director of America’s Channel and Partner Sales, joins Heather Haskin to explore how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are driving innovation in tech. From her unconventional path into the industry to leading DEI initiatives at Amazon, Skaff shares insights on fostering inclusivity and ensuring AI development remains fair and unbiased. This episode is brought to you by AWS. Transform your docume...2025-02-0530 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceHow conversational AI is changing the customer experienceThe future of business is a conversation. In this episode of The Catalyst by Softchoice, Heather Haskin and Craig McQueen, Vice President of AI Solutions at Softchoice, dive into how conversational AI is reshaping industries and redefining success. From smarter customer support to groundbreaking innovations, discover why this technology is more than just talk—it’s a game-changer. With real-world examples and insights into overcoming challenges, this episode is your ultimate guide to navigating the AI revolution. Featuring: Craig McQueen, Softchoice Vice President of AI Solutions The Catalyst by Softchoice is the pod...2025-01-2224 min
The Catalyst by Softchoice1-DEGREE/Shift: Small changes, big impactWhat if your company could leverage AI to not only increase productivity but also improve your mental well-being? What if the secret to transforming your workplace culture and achieving extraordinary results lay in the smallest, most intentional changes? In this episode of The Catalyst by Softchoice, host Heather Haskin sits down with 1-Degree/Shift founders Suchitra Davies-Webb and Nick Foster to explore how small, intentional shifts in leadership can drive transformative change in workplace culture. From fostering conscious accountability to utilizing innovative AI tools, discover how their unique approach helps organizations achieve inclusivity, well-being, and hi...2025-01-0829 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceBridging the digital divide: How Softchoice empowers nonprofitsA lot of charities are just trying to keep the lights on. They don’t have resources for tech infrastructure and training. That’s where Softchoice’s Charity Accelerator Program comes in. In this episode of The Catalyst by Softchoice, host Heather Haskin dives into the transformative power of technology for small charities with Joseph Byer and Jill Crowley, co-chairs of Softchoice’s Charity Accelerator Program (CAP). Discover how this groundbreaking initiative helps nonprofits overcome technological challenges, from outdated systems to limited budgets, by offering tailored support and mentorship. Featuring: Jill Crowley and...2024-12-1130 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceGoogle’s human-centric AIWhat if your company could leverage AI to not only increase productivity but also improve your mental well-being? In this episode of The Catalyst, Heather Haskin speaks with Anna Baird, Chief Customer Officer for Generative AI Go-to-Market at Google, about the crucial human element in AI implementation. They discuss how to leverage AI to enhance, not undermine, the employee experience, fostering psychological safety and well-being. Learn how to navigate the challenges of AI integration while prioritizing employee empowerment and creating a more supportive work environment. This episode is brought to you by Google Clo...2024-11-2731 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceCopilot in action: a Softchoice success storyIt’s one thing to hear about the speeds and feeds of a technology – and quite another to get a real human voice, to shine a light on the real value these tools can offer us. In this episode, host Heather Haskin delves into the practical applications of Microsoft Copilot with Cole Pascua, Senior Microsoft Modern Work Specialist at SoftChoice. Cole provides a firsthand account of Softchoice's Copilot journey, sharing both their successes and challenges in implementing and integrating this transformative AI tool. He discusses how Copilot has impacted workflows, boosted creativity, empowered decision-making, and stream...2024-11-1323 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceThe quantum threat: preparing your business for the future of cybersecurityQuantum computing promises to be one of the most disruptive technologies of our time. But it also brings the risk of unparalleled cybersecurity threats. In this episode of The Catalyst by Softchoice, we delve into the world of quantum computing and its implications for cybersecurity. Dr. Vito Nozza, Principal of Security at Softchoice Design Studio and a PhD in cybersecurity, joins us to discuss the exciting potential of quantum computing while highlighting the significant cybersecurity risks it presents. We explore practical steps to enhance data protection strategies and address the potential risks associated with emerging te...2024-10-3028 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceMicrosoft Copilot – a year of transformation: Insights from Rekha NarangIn this special episode, host Heather Haskin dives deep into the world of AI-driven digital transformation with Rekha Narang, Director of Partner Technology at Microsoft. Rekha provides an inside look at the evolution of Microsoft Copilot, a tool that has transformed how organizations work, collaborate, and deliver results. They explore Copilot’s journey from its launch in November 2023 to its game-changing impact today, as well as the crucial role diversity, inclusion, and partnerships have played in this transformation. Rekha also shares personal leadership insights and looks ahead at what’s next for Copilot. Tune in to lea...2024-10-1730 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceNavigating the end of Windows 10: Security, AI, and the road to Windows 11Is your business ready for the end of Windows 10, or are you risking being left behind in the next wave of digital transformation? In this episode, host Aaron Brooks is joined by industry experts Cameron Allen from Intel, Kirk Sinclair from Microsoft, and Bryan Rusche from Softchoice for a roundtable discussion on now to navigate the shift to Windows 11. The panel delves into the strategic importance of upgrading, addressing security, hardware readiness, and the impact of AI. They explore the challenges and opportunities businesses face during this transition, providing actionable advice for IT leaders on ho...2024-09-2734 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceWhat’s next for IT? Looking beyond generative AIIn this episode, co-hosts Aaron Brooks and Heather Haskin take a break from the constant buzz around generative AI and ChatGPT to explore what else is shaping the future of IT. From cybersecurity threats in the age of quantum computing to the rising expectation for businesses to become content creators, this mid-season check-in dives into the trends and insights flying under the AI radar. Don’t miss this candid conversation that uncovers some of the key issues transforming the tech world in 2024—beyond AI. Featuring: Aaron Brooks, VP Customer Strategy and Solution Sales at Softchoice and Heather Haski...2024-09-1117 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceBuilding the future of cybersecurity: Insights from the Chief Product Officer at SophosWhat's it like being at the helm of a security operation that safeguards thousands of businesses worldwide, with new cyber threats emerging every single day? In this episode, host Heather Haskin meets with Raja Patel, Chief Product Officer at Sophos, to uncover the strategies that keep one of the world’s leading cybersecurity companies ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and relentless, Patel shares his unique approach to building resilient security solutions that not only anticipate future challenges but also empower teams to think creatively and collaboratively. Discover how Soph...2024-08-2829 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceImprov for leaders: mastering adaptability and communication in the boardroomWhat if the key to becoming a more dynamic and effective leader lies not in boardrooms or business school – but on the improv stage? In this episode, host Aaron Brooks and guest Stephanie Malek, Corporate Director and Production Manager at Bad Dog Theatre, delve into how the unexpected world of improvisation holds transformative lessons for business and IT leaders. Tune in to learn how to bring the spontaneity and creativity of improv into your leadership style, helping you navigate the complexities of today's business landscape with greater confidence and agility. Featuring: Stephanie Malek, Corporate Director and...2024-08-1432 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceLeading from afar: Strategies for success in a remote worldCan a leader effectively inspire and drive success without being physically present? As tech giants like Google, Amazon, Meta, and Apple mandate a return to the office, this question is top of mind. In this episode, host Heather Haskin interviews Angela Cope, the Director of Demand Generation at Softchoice, about her life as a remote leader amidst this wave of return-to-office mandates. From her home in rural Nova Scotia, Angela shares her unique perspective on leading from afar. Discover her daily routine, the key challenges and advantages of remote leadership, and what it takes to successfully manage a...2024-07-3128 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceBonus: After the outageIn this special bonus episode of The Catalyst, host Heather Haskin welcomes Greg McDonald, Senior Solutions Architect at Softchoice, to discuss the recent CrowdStrike outage that disrupted businesses globally. They focus on actionable steps business leaders and IT professionals can take to enhance their resilience against future incidents.What You'll Learn:Immediate steps businesses should take in response to the outageKey prevention strategies to avoid similar disruptionsThe benefits of having a managed service provider for rapid support and recoveryStay informed and proactive by tuning in to this insightful episode....2024-07-2314 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceUntangling SaaS sprawl: strategies for efficient and secure software managementAcross organizations, every team is driven by the desire to innovate and perform, adopting its own set of SaaS tools to help drive growth. But without a centralized strategy, suddenly you’re faced with mounting costs, redundant software, and security vulnerabilities. On today’s episode, co-host Aaron Brooks meets with John Harden, Director of Product SaaS Management at Auvik, and Raksha Matthias, Director of Software Asset Management Strategy at Softchoice to unravel the complexities of SaaS sprawl, offering practical solutions and strategies for businesses leaders to regain control and drive efficient, secure, and innovative software usage. Feat...2024-07-1732 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceThe case for open source AI: A conversation with Neural Magic’s Brian StevensThere wasn’t anything in open source that was more than a toy a year ago, but that’s all changed according to today’s guest. Brian Stevens, CEO of Neural Magic and former CTO of Google Cloud, is helping redefine the landscape of AI. In this episode, we explore the intersection of AI, open-source innovation, and ethical responsibility. Neural Magic’s groundbreaking software enables businesses to harness powerful AI without the need for costly hardware, all while maintaining strict ethical standards. Stevens shares his insights on the vital role of open-source models in fostering transparency, the challenge...2024-06-1233 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceBonus: The Catalyst gets clear on Microsoft Generative AI – Adopt & SustainWhat if your team's full potential lay in the hands of an AI assistant that could learn from you, adapt to your needs, and streamline your daily operations? How do you sustain momentum through initial adoption to ongoing optimization? This concern is the focus of the final episode of this miniseries about Microsoft Generative AI. Kayla Thorpe, Senior Manager for Workplace AI Consulting, and host Braeden Banks delve into the crucial final stages of Softchoice's Microsoft Copilot adoption journey: 'Adopt & Sustain.' Kayla shares her experience and practical tips on how to engage teams, overcome obstacles, and foster a c...2024-06-1121 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceBonus: The Catalyst gets clear on Microsoft Generative AI – ImplementationHow do you integrate Microsoft Generative AI into the everyday workflow of your organization without making a mess of it? That's the question that drives the third episode in this miniseries, which focuses on the 'Implement' phase of the Copilot Adoption Journey with guest Craig McQueen, Vice President of AI Solutions at Softchoice. Craig shares his expertise on how to introduce Microsoft 365 Copilot in your organization, starting with a single group, tailoring the experience, and validating its value before scaling further. The conversation reveals how a gradual, careful implementation can lead to profound organizational transformation and set the stage...2024-06-0418 min
The Catalyst by Softchoice“Neural processing units” and AI-on-the-go with Intel Canada’s Cameron AllenThe biggest architectural change to the humble chipset is underway. Its aim: deliver artificial intelligence to the PC. Host Aaron Brooks meets with Cameron Allen, partner account manager at Intel Canada, to get the details. We'll hear about all the reasons Intel is taking this quantum leap toward portable AI, herald the arrival of neural processing units (NPUs), and discuss what all this means for technology and business leaders.Hear Cameron explain the concepts behind NPUs, and how they direct the CPU and GPU for optimization, performance and security gains. With GPU scarcity hindering AI i...2024-05-2931 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceBonus: The Catalyst gets clear on Microsoft Generative AI – Getting ready'Look before you leap' is often the difference between success and failure when it comes to adopting a new technology. When it comes to Microsoft Generative AI, the importance of assessing your organizational readiness before you implement can’t be overstated.On this episode of this miniseries on The Catalyst podcast, step into the 'Assess' phase of the Copilot Adoption Journey with Matt Vasil, Director of Emerging Technology at Softchoice. We get into the essential preparations for implementing Copilot for Microsoft 365, from measuring the potential licensing impacts to minding security gaps to answering the question, “Are o...2024-05-2816 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceBonus: The Catalyst gets clear on Microsoft Generative AI – The business caseBusinesses everywhere taking a good, hard look at Microsoft Generative AI are all wondering the same thing: is it really worth the hype? That's what we're here to find out.On the inaugural episode of this brand-new miniseries courtesy of The Catalyst by Softchoice, host Braeden Banks and guest Jaime Waterfield, Director of Microsoft Category at Softchoice, explore the crucial beginnings of building a Copilot business case for Microsoft 365. Discover the best practices and potential pitfalls in planning your strategy and learn how to effectively generate buy-in and set the stage for success. Tune in to start...2024-05-2116 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceOvercoming leadership shock with Olympic coach Pete SteinbergWhat lessons from elite athletic coaching can empower today’s business leaders? With the summer Olympics just around the corner, we asked Pete Steinberg, leadership consultant and celebrated rugby coach, that very question.He discusses how feedback is the fuel of high performance, in sports and business. Like a rugby coach leading from the stands, the further up the leadership ladder, the less control you have. That's why Steinberg provides strategies for empowering your employees to manage strategic decisions and conflict.We also delve into his new book, Leadership Shock, which addresses navigating new and fu...2024-05-1533 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceThe productivity frontier: AI’s role in transforming digital tools at AdobeHow will Adobe’s foray into Generative AI impact how your team creates and collaborates? That’s what we wanted to find out. On the latest episode of The Catalyst Podcast, co-host Heather Haskin sits down with Adobe’s Principal Product Marketing Manager, Lori DeFurio, to explore the transformative role of AI within Adobe's ecosystem to empower human productivity. DeFurio provides valuable insights on how business leaders can strategically adopt generative AI while upholding ethical standards and fostering an environment of innovation. Featuring: Lori DeFurio, Principal Product Marketing Manager at Adobe The Catal...2024-05-0127 min
The Catalyst by SoftchoicePower to the people: Eric Champagne, CIO of La Vie en RoseSeason 6 of The Catalyst by Softchoice kicks off with an episode that questions conventional wisdom about IT leadership. Aaron Brooks sits down with Eric Champagne, CIO of La Vie en Rose, to hear how Eric is flipping the script. Eric’s story is all about bridging a longstanding gap between IT and end-users, with the goal of making technology a tool for empowerment and efficiency.Gone are the days of tech gatekeeping. Eric champions a philosophy where technology aligns seamlessly with business goals and, more crucially, the people it serves. His approach? Ditching the tech jargon for a...2024-04-1738 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceSeason 6 TrailerThis season on The Catalyst, a podcast about unleashing the full potential in people and technology, co-hosts Aaron Brooks and Heather Haskin explore the transformative power of tech, not just within businesses, but also through the personal journeys of those at the forefront of change. Every episode is packed with stories of triumph and the valuable lessons learned from the setbacks along the way. Tune in bi-weekly and discover why the most important conversations surrounding people in tech are happening right here.Learn more: softchoice.com/podcastThe Catalyst by Softchoice is the podcast dedicated...2024-04-1601 minThe Catalyst by Softchoice5 imperatives for responsible competition when AI is for everyoneImagine everyone with a great business idea could make it happen without a deep engineering bench or tens of millions of dollars in funding. How would that change competition in an already hypercompetitive marketplace? How do the principles of responsible AI show up when AI is accessible to everyone? What responsibility do enterprise firms have to help shape a world where this technology benefits all of us?On this episode of The Catalyst, host Aaron Brooks meets with Robert Daigle, Director of Global AI Business at Lenovo, to unpack these and other issues su...2024-01-0534 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceWearable robots are here to help bridge the labor gapRobotic exoskeletons have gotten a whole lot better.No longer just for rehabilitation, manufacturer German Bionic is applying active exoskeleton devices to support workers in a number of ways. These wearable robotic devices work in tandem with the user, allowing them to handle a wider range of physical tasks. The result: physically-demanding jobs are now open to a wider range of candidates.Meghan Kennelly is Head of Global Marketing at German Bionic and our guest on The Catalyst. Their active exoskeletons use motors and battery power to help with lifting, supporting the lower back and...2023-12-1335 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceChasing cybersecurity Avalon: Is such a thing even possible?Is a cybersecurity utopia – where no CISO lies awake at night worrying about threats known and unknown – even possible? If you believe “yes,” how do you get others to share that vision? That’s what we discussed with Lou Senko, Chief Availability Officer at global banking technology company Q2 on this episode of The Catalyst. First and foremost, Senko doesn’t believe in leading with the fear factor. Fear, he says, only frees up some of the wallet. He talks with host Cheryl Stookes about his strategies for improving security posture and justifying security budget...2023-11-0839 minThe Catalyst by Softchoice“CISO therapy” and the real reasons security talent is so hard to findAs a CISO, how do you know when you’re getting through to the board and the C-suite? One way is to look at the quality of the questions they ask you. Are they learning? This is just one of the questions Kevin Magee fields a lot during “CISO therapy,” a discipline he finds himself practicing more often as Chief Security Officer at Microsoft Canada. Aside from the technology components, the thing his “clients” want to talk about most is how to build, sustain and grow those all-important executive relationships. To conclude National Cybersecurity...2023-10-2539 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceToward the “un-hackable” identity with Cisco’s Mike Storm Is it time to pick a cybersecurity safeword? Mike Storm, Cisco Cybersecurity Distinguished Engineer and our guest on The Catalyst, thinks so. With over 30 years of cybersecurity experience, even he finds himself challenged by new AI-powered scams. Why? The short answer: At the heart of it, humans are an easier target than computers and software, because human psychology and behaviour have been known quantities for millennia, he says. Attackers prey on behavior wired into us by exploiting things like the “click principle,” the unconscious reflex that drives us to click on links, buttons and oth...2023-10-1139 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceFrom the bar to the boardroom: Practical steps toward a GenAI strategyIt’s official: generative AI has permeated the culture, appearing in conversations at work, around the dinner table and yes, even over drinks with friends. With 2024 on the horizon and technology budgets due to reset, C-suite leaders and boards are talking about it, too. So how do you take this hot topic from casual chat to enterprise strategy? This week, Craig McQueen, VP of Digital Acceleration at Softchoice, joins hosts Cheryl and Aaron on location at their favorite watering hole to discuss why now is the time to act on GenAI implementation – and, more importantly, how to...2023-09-2825 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceRobots at the water cooler: Heralding the arrival of Microsoft 365 CopilotWill your next new colleague be a machine? It’s no longer so far-fetched. Natural language interfaces will soon replace software UIs we’re used to with good old fashioned conversation. That’s according to Doug Smith, GM of Solutions for Microsoft Canada. This week on The Catalyst, he provides insights into the rapid adoption of GenAI, the hype around it, and why it matters to your business today more than ever. GenAI tools, such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, are going to make significant changes to the ways we do our jobs, augmenting human capabilities and boosting...2023-09-2037 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceScience fiction no more: Exploring AI in philosophy and in practiceThe best sci-fi stories explore the question, “What exactly does it mean to be human in the face of evolving technology?”As we dive headfirst into the era of generative AI, this philosophical question has taken on a new, more practical dimension. As GenAI begins to upend the ways we work, live and do business, where do humans fit in? How will it change the ways we think about ourselves? In this episode, host Aaron Brooks explores the influences of AI on the evolution of human society with Prof. Alexander Manu of OCAD University and Mario...2023-08-3052 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceSo, about that skills gap... Exploring the potential of AI-assisted skills development“Upskill or fall behind.” That’s the message to millions of workers facing sweeping changes in technology and a generous helping of economic uncertainty. Okay, but upskill in what, exactly? In this episode, host Cheryl Stookes meets with Kian Katanforoosh, the CEO and Co-founder of Workera. This California company’s platform uses AI to produce accurate and unbiased skills assessments. From there, it matches workers with the right training plans and materials to meet personal career goals, close organizational skills gaps and get more out of investments in training content. Cheryl and Kian also explo...2023-08-1622 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceAI vs. the standardized test: Exploring a new, more personal approach to learningDid you always want to do what you do? Or did your grades and test scores suggest you’d be good at it? The 2020s are quickly being characterized by astonishing leaps in technology. Meanwhile, our education systems have remained anchored in 19th-century thinking. Rooted in standardized, one-size-fits-all models, the way we engage, develop and measure success for students is about to undergo a profound change thanks to, you guessed it, artificial intelligence. In this episode of The Catalyst, our host Aaron meets with Dr. David Vroonland, the executive director of LEARN, the Learning Environments Acti...2023-08-0236 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceWe’re in the age of IT heroes. Where do we find more?Our data is in danger. It’s in danger from cybercriminals and malicious state actors. It’s in danger from more frequent and devastating natural disasters. It’s in danger from gaps and oversights in security posture. It’s in danger from people inside our organizations, whether they mean well or otherwise. It takes heroic efforts from IT teams to prevent the worst outcomes. But who are the people making a difference behind the scenes? How do we find more of them? This week on The Catalyst, Cheryl meets Terence Gleeson, Senior Director of VMware C...2023-07-1937 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceExploring the hidden machinery powering our global economyHave you ever wondered how the products you use make their way across the world to reach you? The answer is industry ecosystems, intricate webs of people, processes and technology that connect our world and economy behind the scenes. In this episode of The Catalyst, we unravel the concept of industry ecosystems with guest John Comacchio, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Teknion, a future-focused office furniture manufacturer. From new supply chain hurdles to sustainability imperatives and changing definitions of “the workplace,” we explore how Teknion has rethought its approach. Get a deeper look into the hidde...2023-07-0538 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceUncertainty, sustainability and the semiconductor: Lessons from the global chip shortageThe global semiconductor shortage, triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, set off a cascading set of challenges. The resulting disruption made it harder than ever to get electronic components and products to where they were needed, leaving consumers, businesses and other organizations in the lurch. Compounding the issue: heavy reliance on semiconductor production in Asia, mainly Taiwan. As uncertainty continues to define the 2020s and geopolitical tensions rise, how can we apply what we’ve learned to prevent another crisis? In this episode of The Catalyst by Softchoice, host Cheryl Stookes joins Phil Vokins, Director of Channels, ISVs and Cloud at...2023-06-2128 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceDecarbonizing the grid with virtual power plants: Recurve’s Matt GoldenDecarbonizing our energy grid will take a lot more than adopting alternative power sources. That’s the founding principle behind Recurve, a company on a mission to speed the transition to a carbon-free economy, while making the already fragile energy grid more reliable. Aaron meets with Recurve CEO Matt Golden to discuss why decarbonizing the grid calls for a new approach to flexible demand, through what Recurve calls “virtual power plants.”The discussion highlights the importance of demand-side flexibility and load balancing, the complexities of modernizing a grid, and how Google Cloud is making Recurve's mission possible.2023-06-0735 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceMeet OZMO the robot window-washer: AI vs. dirty, dull and dangerous jobsYou’ve heard of AI applications for all kinds of things, from virtual assistants to super-powered medical research and even voice analysis. But AI-powered window washing? In this episode, Cheryl Stookes meets with Michael Brown, chairman and CEO of Skyline Robotics – the company behind the world's first ever robotic-armed window cleaner.Cheryl and Michael discuss the technology behind OZMO and how it combines lidar and artificial intelligence to transform the window cleaning industry. They also dive into the potential for AI and automation to affect labor markets and change the game around workplace safety within the 3 ‘Ds’ – dirty, dul...2023-05-2423 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceThe mighty checklist: How daily operational efficiency beats shiny new techLeveling up your day-to-day operations may not sound like the most exciting innovation project but let them slip and you’ve lost your customer, possibly for good. In this episode, co-host Aaron Brooks meets with Tommy Yionoulis, CEO and co-founder of OpsAnalitica, an operations management platform designed to help businesses be more efficient (and profitable) through process accountability and data. Tommy believes the biggest innovation opportunity for businesses isn’t about the shiniest new tech. It’s about efficiency, consistency and “the mighty check list.” He goes on to share what he sees shaping the future of work and ho...2023-05-1036 minThe Catalyst by Softchoice3 strategies to grow through a recession with Microsoft’s Jason BrommetRecessions make business growth challenging – but not impossible. On this episode of The Catalyst by Softchoice, Jason Brommet, Head of Modern Work and Security at Microsoft, returns to the podcast to lay out 3 strategies to help businesses thrive during an economic downturn. From engaging people to closing skills gaps and making things simpler using new AI tools, learn what you need to succeed at doing more with less. Together Cheryl and Jason compare today's situation with the Great Recession of 2008, debate whether the pandemic gave technology leaders a head start, and look into the potential of AI tools, including Mi...2023-04-2639 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceEarth Day 2023: How to create a winning ESG strategyWith Earth Day 2023 just around the corner, new co-host Cheryl Stookes meets with Anureet Kaur, Softchoice’s Sustainability Manager. They discuss what goes into creating an effective ESG strategy – one that aligns environmental and social impact with your business’ bottom line. They also delve into the challenges of reporting on ESG initiatives, a relatively new set of obstacles that many businesses are now facing in today’s economic climate. Anureet is a Toronto-based sustainability professional, climate policy researcher, public speaker and college professor. Since 2019, Anureet has been a Professor at Seneca College's Sustainable Business Management Program, where she teach...2023-04-1236 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceThis AI-powered ‘lie detector’ will transform everythingWelcome to Season 5 of The Catalyst.In this episode, new co-host Aaron Brooks meets with Sean Austin, CEO and co-founder of Helios, a company pioneering the new field of speech analytics through a voice tone intelligence technology. Helios’ groundbreaking “tonal analysis” application can identify changes in tone, pitch and other vocal characteristics that indicate the speaker's emotional state, attitude and even their level of confidence. While today Helios is marketing itself to Wall Street, its potential use cases are endless. Aaron and Sean discuss the possibilities for businesses to use tonal analysis to gain deeper insight...2023-03-2932 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceChatGPT, robots and the recession: Welcome to Season 5!From Chat GPT to a looming economic crisis, business leaders everywhere are living through turbulent times. Thankfully, The Catalyst by Softchoice is back with our biggest and most ambitious season ever.In Season 5, we’ll continue to search for answers across 19 new episodes, exploring the intersection of people and technology. And we’ll be doing it all with the help of two new co-hosts.Introducing Cheryl Stookes, Vice President of Revenue Growth and Marketing at Softchoice and Aaron Brooks, Vice President of Customer Strategy and Solution Sales at Softchoice. They will bring a fresh perspective to t...2023-03-2202 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceQuiet quitting, rage applying and the future of talent, with Indeed Canada’s Michelle SlaterIn 2023, organizations face big challenges: an exhausted workforce, growing supply chain pressures, rising inflation and a hyper-competitive talent landscape. In this bonus Season 4 episode, Erika meets with Indeed Canada’s Michelle Slater to talk about the era of quiet quitting and rage applying. They get to the heart of why it’s crucial for employers to pay attention to emerging work trends so they can set strategic talent goals for long-term success. Erika also bids farewell to listeners, as she introduces The Catalyst’s new co-hosts, Softchoice’s Aaron Brooks and Cheryl Stookes.Featuring: Michelle Slater – Director of Country...2023-03-1542 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceNavigating uncertainty and building resiliency in a digital era - A conversation with Andrew Caprara, Chief Operating Officer at SoftchoiceA global pandemic, an ongoing supply chain crisis, a growing skills gap and a concerning labor shortage. The time for transformational businesses to build a more resilient future is now. What are the biggest lessons of the last few years – and how can we better prepare for what’s to come in 2023? Erika meets with the Chief Operating Officer at Softchoice, Andrew Caprara, to discuss how IT leaders can tackle the challenges ahead strategically and collaboratively, while driving growth. Featuring: Andrew Caprara – Chief Operating Officer, Softchoice The Catalyst by Softchoice is the podcast shining a light on...2022-11-0238 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceBuilding a back-up plan for telecommunicationsThe July 9th Rogers telecommunications outage left millions of people and businesses without cell phone or internet service, which in some cases lasted for days. In a world dependent on its digital telecommunications network – how do you prepare for the worst? Erika meets with Softchoice’s Vice President of Business Technologies, Al Lakhani, to discuss the impact of the July 9th Rogers service outage, and what digital leaders can do to be more resilient and better prepared for worst-case scenarios. Featuring: Al Lakhani – Vice President of Business Technologies at Softchoice The Catalyst by Softchoice is the podc...2022-10-1927 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceThe most surprising tool in your security arsenal: InsuranceWe all know the best offense is a strong defense – and that’s as true for cybersecurity as it is for football. For all the attention we devote to cybersecurity, it’s a wonder that one essential tool can make all the difference...cyber insurance. Erika meets with Softchoice’s Director of Security, Matt Sirbu, to discuss the best practices and policies for businesses to stay afloat in a digital era and keep their bottom lines safe. Featuring: Matt Sirbu – Director of Security at Softchoice The Catalyst by Softchoice is the podcast shining a light on the human...2022-10-0530 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceCloud Girl to the rescue: Google’s Priyanka Vergadia talks IT storytellingTechnology leaders need to constantly communicate about complex, nuanced topics – and get people to act on those insights. So, what’s the best way to do it? The answer for Google’s Chief Content Officer, Priyanka Vergadia, lies in visual storytelling. Erika meets with Priyanka – better known as “Cloud Girl” to her online followers – to discuss the beauty and benefits of technical storytelling, female leadership in tech and getting creative with cloud computing. Featuring: Priyanka Vergadia – Chief Content Officer Google. The Catalyst by Softchoice is the podcast shining a light on the human side of IT leaders...2022-09-2145 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceHybrid work’s here to stay – now what? Featuring Microsoft’s Jason BrommetWith the pandemic (mostly) behind us, organizations are struggling to shape their return to office policies. For Microsoft’s Head of Modern Work and Security Business, Jason Brommet, the answer is a no-brainer – the future of work is hybrid and there’s no going back. Erika meets with Jason to discuss how organizations can plan for a future-focused work environment. They explore ways to define the employee experience in a hybrid era and the three tenants that lie at the heart of this exercise. Featuring: Jason Brommet – Head of Modern Work and Security Business at Microsoft. Special...2022-09-0753 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceUncorking a new blockchain use caseBlockchain isn’t just about crypto gains and trading NFTs. Aside from endless industrial use cases, you can now use it to invest in the world’s finest wine. Erika meets with Corey Parkinson, the Global Head of Product of Cult Wines, to talk about how his organization is innovating and democratizing the fine wine trade through blockchain technology. Plus, Corey shares insights on how to make the most of Cult Wines new trading app. Featuring: Corey Parkinson, Global Head of Product at Cult Wines. Special thanks to the Pilgrim production team for sharing their thoug...2022-08-2435 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceNext stop, metaverse?How will the metaverse transform modern business? And how can companies seize this virtual opportunity? Medha Parlikar, co-founder and CTO of CasperLabs, joins Erika to explore how IT leaders can leverage the metaverse with real-world applications. Medha reviews the pros and cons of engaging in a virtual world and explains how a 3D version of the internet will create the most immersive user experience yet. Featuring: Medha Parlikar, Co-Founder and CTO at CasperLabs. Special thanks to Softchoice and the Pilgrim production team for sharing their thoughts. The Catalyst by Softchoice is the podcast sh...2022-08-1031 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceInnovating the future of digital healthcareWhile on vacation last Spring, Erika caught COVID-19. When her symptoms went from bad to worse, she decided to head to her local hospital, where she was treated and monitored using their highly innovative, digital post care program. On this episode of The Catalyst, Erika speaks to the Director of Community Partnerships at Southlake Regional Health Centre, Gayle Seddon, and the VP of Strategy, Analytics and Communications, Tyler Chalk, to discuss the integrative and collaborate approach they used to create their highly regarded – and transformative – COVID at Home Program. Featuring: Gayle Seddon, Director of Community Partnerships at South...2022-07-2747 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceEnding the IT skills gap, part 2: reskilling, upskilling and the future of workHow do we start to close the ever-widening IT skills gap? In the second of this two-part series, Erika meets with technologist Shauna Begley to talk about the importance of digital literacy as a way to create a more robust and adaptable future of work. Shauna also shares valuable insight on how companies can encourage employees to “learn as they earn.” Featuring: Shauna Begley, faculty member at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and co-founder of Modern Work. Special thanks to Softchoice’s Ashley Arruda for sharing her thoughts. The Catalyst by Softchoice is the p...2022-07-1333 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceEnding the IT skills gap, part 1: rethinking retentionThe IT skills gap is bad – and it’s only getting worse. The good news is there’s still plenty you can do about it. In the first of this two-part series, Erika meets with AWS’ Brian Graf to share some tips to train and retain talent in our highly-competitive industry. You’ll also find out how companies of all sizes can encourage innovation in order to bridge the cloud skills gap. Featuring: Brian Graf, Senior Partner Solutions Architect at AWS. The Catalyst by Softchoice is the podcast shining a light on the human side o...2022-06-2928 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceDecentralization, democratization and Web3From dial up to high-speed connectivity, the Internet has come a long way in shaping and shifting how we connect with people and business. Host Erika Van Noort meets with Softchoice’s Vice President of Digital Acceleration Craig McQueen to discuss the internet’s next big wave: Web3. He explains what exactly Web3 will entail, how it differs from Web 1.0 and 2.0, and why IT leaders need to be paying attention to this budding tech. Plus, Craig shares key use cases for Web3 and gives practical tips for how anyone can get involved.Featuring:Craig McQue...2022-06-1525 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceDid the Wall Street Journal predict the end of IT?Is it really time to get rid of the IT department? According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, it may just be. In this episode, Erika Van Noort sits down to discuss a 2021 article where the author warns that our traditional concept of the IT department and the way it’s set up is not only outdated, but it’s also putting the way we grow business and drive innovation at risk. For a deeper look at whether it’s really time for IT leaders to ditch their self-titled department, Erika welcomes Chris Woodin, VP of the Cloud Busine...2022-06-0137 min
The Everything Feed - All Packet Pushers PodsTech Bytes: MSP Softchoice And VMware Tackle Hybrid And Multi-Cloud Deployments (Sponsored)Today on the Tech Bytes podcast we talk with Managed Service Provider (MSP) and VMware partner of the year Softchoice on how Softchoice helps customers navigate multi-cloud and hybrid cloud deployments using VMware. We cover details about two real-world Softchoice/VMware customer use cases: a Major League Baseball team and a financial services firm.2022-05-2315 min
Tech BytesMSP Softchoice And VMware Tackle Hybrid And Multi-Cloud Deployments (Sponsored)Today on the Tech Bytes podcast we talk with Managed Service Provider (MSP) and VMware partner of the year Softchoice on how Softchoice helps customers navigate multi-cloud and hybrid cloud deployments using VMware. We cover details about two real-world Softchoice/VMware customer use cases: a Major League Baseball team and a financial services firm.2022-05-2315 min
The Everything Feed - All Packet Pushers PodsTech Bytes: MSP Softchoice And VMware Tackle Hybrid And Multi-Cloud Deployments (Sponsored)Today on the Tech Bytes podcast we talk with Managed Service Provider (MSP) and VMware partner of the year Softchoice on how Softchoice helps customers navigate multi-cloud and hybrid cloud deployments using VMware. We cover details about two real-world Softchoice/VMware customer use cases: a Major League Baseball team and a financial services firm.2022-05-2315 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceWhy organizations need to prioritize diversity & inclusion: Oguo Atuanya of MicrosoftIn this episode, Erika Van Noort welcomes Oguo Atuanya, General Manager of Global Scale and Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft. As a Senior Executive leading Microsoft’s global cloud scale services, Oguo weaves together a mixed cultural background from his education in three different continents and passion for democratization in technology. He talks about how the Microsoft workforce is more diverse than it’s ever been, and how the new generation of employees is making it a priority to work for a company that shares their values. Oguo also discusses the real concrete DEI efforts underway at Microsoft to move...2022-05-1834 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceHow the war in Ukraine is increasing your cybersecurity riskIn this episode, fill-in host Nicole Francis steps in and meets with Softchoice’s Jeffersen Sylvia to discuss how Russia and Ukraine are using cybersecurity in this modern-day war – and why businesses and IT leaders in North America should take note. Jeffersen takes us through his journey to cybersecurity as an enterprise architect and how the traditional way of thinking about security has shifted, both in the physical sense and from a mindset perspective. Jeffersen talks about how ransomware has become a huge issue over the last several years, how teams have to work together to be effective, and his 1...2022-05-0434 min