Shows
The Catalyst by SoftchoiceThe Vibe Coding Episode: The Pilot is Dead. Long Live the Pilot.For decades, building software meant doing eighty percent of the hard work before you had anything to show for it. AI just flipped that equation. And it's creating a risk nobody planned for.In this episode of The Catalyst, host Katey Teekasingh explores vibe coding — the technology that lets anyone build software by describing what they want in plain language. It was named Collins Dictionary's 2025 Word of the Year. It's already inside your organization. And in late 2025, it might have taken down Amazon's own cloud for thirteen hours.Three experts break down where vibe coding ge...
2026-04-2224 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceThe Agentic AI Episode: What IT Leaders Need to KnowEvery vendor in the industry is slapping the word "agentic" on their roadmap. But, what is agentic AI, really? And should IT leaders care?In this episode, we bring together three voices with very different answers: a skeptic who says it's rebranded orchestration, a strategist who says the reasoning layer is genuinely new, and a founder betting his company on it. Together, they cut through the noise and answer the question every IT leader is quietly asking: what should I actually do about agentic AI in 2026?Key takeaways:Why 80% of AI projects fail — and it...
2026-03-1128 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceThe Incident Response Episode: What Really Happens When Ransomware HitsWhen David Koopmans' IT manager started sending strange messages to employees, David knew something was wrong. By then, threat actors had been inside his network for 30 days.What followed was a ransomware nightmare that cost $14 million, put David in the hospital, and ended with him being let go—despite years of warning leadership they needed to invest in security.In this episode, we follow David's story from chaos to recovery, with expert context from Fortinet's incident response team on what actually happens when the call comes in (spoiler: it's always Friday afternoon), the critical mistakes th...
2026-02-2524 minThe Catalyst by SoftchoiceThe Multi-Cloud Mandate: How Agentic AI Became the Unexpected AnswerMulti-cloud used to be a dirty word — something that happened to you through mergers, shadow IT, or teams gone rogue with corporate cards. But the walls came down, the standards converged, and best-of-breed finally seemed within reach. Then AI arrived with a whole new layer of complexity.Or did it?In this episode, we explore how agentic AI might actually solve the thing that made multi-cloud hard in the first place. Three cloud experts—Jack French from World Wide Technology, Alex Kozaris from Softchoice's AWS practice, and Ron Espinosa from Softchoice's Google Cloud team—break down w...
2026-02-1126 minThe 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 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 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 podc...
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 min