Shows
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceThe Save Money Episode: Foundation Over FlashEveryone's chasing AI. Meanwhile, most organizations are wasting 25-30% of their software budget on tools nobody uses.In this episode, we meet James Malek, Senior VP of IT Infrastructure at Lexitas, who inherited chaos—45 acquisitions in five years, no structured IT department, and a hodgepodge of contracts everywhere. Instead of chasing the next shiny thing, James took a different approach: foundation first.What his team discovered when they finally got visibility into their software estate—including 300 employees using ChatGPT at a legal services company handling sensitive data—changed everything.In this episode, you'll learn...
2026-01-2820 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceThe School’s Broken Episode: What AI Did to Education—And Who's Fixing ItAI is transforming education—but not evenly, and not easily.In this episode of The Catalyst, we step inside classrooms, school boards, and districts, navigating the AI revolution with tight budgets, limited staff, and high stakes for students. From fears around cheating and data privacy to confusion over licensing and unused tools already paid for, this conversation reveals what AI adoption really looks like in public education.Featuring educators, IT leaders, and policy thinkers on the front lines, the episode explores what schools are getting wrong, what’s quietly working, and why the biggest barrier to A...
2026-01-1427 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceThe Small Teams Episode: When IT Needs to Punch Above Its WeightEnterprise expectations. Startup-sized teams. And zero margin for failure.Across museums, national parks, retail stores, and nonprofit organizations, mid-market IT leaders are being asked to do more than ever—with fewer people, tighter budgets, and growing complexity. Most burn out. Some figure it out.In this episode, The Catalyst brings together two leaders navigating that reality from different sides of the work:Scott Gagon, Network Security Engineer, Event NetworkTariq Chaudhri, VP of Technology, Goodwill of Northwest North CarolinaTogether, they explore what it takes for small IT teams to support enterprise-scale environments—and why...
2025-12-3124 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceThe AI Failure Episode: Why Asking the Wrong Question is To BlameWhen mid-market IT leaders call about AI, most ask the wrong question. Instead of “What problem are we solving?” they jump straight to “Which LLM should we use?” — a mindset that helps explain why 95% of AI pilots fail to deliver measurable business returns.In this episode, two of Softchoice’s leading AI experts — Sean Larkin, AI Principal Architect, and Ron Espinosa, Director, Google Cloud Category — break down why technology-first thinking derails AI initiatives before they start. From market validation to crawl-walk-run design, they reveal how organizations can escape the hype cycle and build AI solutions that actually work.Key...
2025-12-1028 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceThe AI Recruitment Episode: Why Tech Hiring is Getting Harder937 applications. 42 interviews. 80 days. That's what it took one experienced data scientist to land a job in 2025—and he's one of the lucky ones.In this episode of The Catalyst, we follow two tech professionals through what they call "the worst job market ever." Emily, a software developer with 10 years of experience and a degree from University of Waterloo's prestigious computer science program, gets laid off on a Tuesday and was interviewing the next day. Santiago, a data scientist and former manager at Deloitte, launches what he calls a "denial of service attack" on the job market—bombarding it w...
2025-11-2619 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceThe IT Burnout Episode: Running on EmptyEvery night, IT professionals across the country go home and cry. They work until 10PM unpaid. They become "the guy" their entire organization depends on. They stay in toxic jobs because they feel guilty, or because people are counting on them, or because they simply can't imagine leaving.In this episode of The Catalyst by Softchoice, we follow two IT professionals through their burnout journeys. Sean stayed at a behavioral health nonprofit for years, supporting 1500 users with just two techs and management that thought IT "just helps people log in." He rebuilt the entire infrastructure while crying...
2025-11-1225 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceThe AI Adoption Episode: Freedom & Frameworks That Actually WorkWhat if the best employee AI adoption strategy is one most companies refuse to try?While business leaders rush to mandate AI from the top down, Softchoice discovered something counterintuitive: the most successful transformations happen when you let people experiment on their own terms. (Safely!)This episode takes you inside Softchoice's organic approach to AI adoption—from a VP who started experimenting with AI nine months before ChatGPT launched, to an engineering team that went from skepticism to shipping code in a single prompt, to a solutions architect who hit 300% of plan by letting AI ha...
2025-10-2920 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceSeason 7 Trailer: Small Teams, Big DreamsFor six years, The Catalyst brought you conversations with IT leaders solving hard problems. But we kept hearing stories that couldn't fit into a single interview—stories that needed multiple voices, conflicting perspectives, the messy truth of what it's really like out there.Season 7 changes everything. We're making audio documentaries—think This American Life for the IT team. Each episode weaves together real experiences: the burnout nobody admits to, the worst tech job market ever, AI projects burning millions because someone asked the wrong question.This is what happens when you stop treating IT stories like...
2025-10-2201 min
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 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 minThe 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 min