Shows
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS7E4 Claiming Space In Systems Not Built For You with Kae Kronthaler-WilliamsWe explore how to navigate bias, claim space, and thrive in systems not built for women and minorities. Kae Williams shares practical ways to build influence, handle microaggressions, and reach senior leaders with competence and calm. We touch upon these topics:mapping systemic patterns that reward proximity over performancetying work to business goals to earn visibilityone‑on‑one networking and cross‑team collaborationscripts to approach CFOs and VPs for inputworking with ego‑first leaders and assessing fitidentifying microaggressors and setting boundariesdocumenting severe incidents and staying professionalbuilding external support networks and mentorshipcreating psychological safety and inclusive teamsspeaking up with data, qu...
2026-02-2554 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS7E3 Who Owns Ideas When Machines Learn From Us with Julie TrelstadWe ask Julie Trostad how authors can protect their work in an AI-first world and where ethics, law, and new licensing models meet. From content fingerprinting to smarter metadata, we map practical steps, real risks, and hopeful paths for fair compensation.We start with the foundation: what intellectual property actually protects, how work-for-hire changes ownership, and why attribution still matters. From US lawsuits that punish pirated training data versus Europe’s stricter model for text and data mining rights, Julie explains how content fingerprinting and registries like ISCC plus AMLET give AI systems a machine-readable “do and don’...
2026-02-1047 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS7E2 People Squared: Reinventing Work With AI with Monica MarquezThe AI tools arrived, the dashboards lit up, and the ROI… didn’t. Monica Marquez of Flipwork unpacks what actually drives meaningful adoption—and what kills it. The short answer: people and process, not just platforms. The longer answer: psychological safety, shared playbooks, and a clear path from micro efficiencies to measurable impact.Monica walks us through the mindset shift from fearing replacement to becoming “people squared,” where AI handles the drudge work, and humans double down on judgment, taste, and lived expertise. From thawing the “frozen middle” of management to building agentic AI that connects steps across a workf...
2026-01-2354 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS7E1 When Your Bot Writes Poetry For Execs with Chuck NealisWe kick off the new season by breaking down the “contractor mindset” for writing prompts — the key to getting AI to deliver to spec, not with unnecessary “flair.”Chuck Nealis joins us to explore how to write high-impact prompts through the lens of storytelling. We dig into the simple but powerful guardrails that help navigate AI’s context window. Because as conversations grow, crucial constraints tend to fade — and that’s when prompt drift begins.So what do you do when the whiteboard starts getting messy?In this episode, we unpack:Explicit prompts with cle...
2026-01-1635 min
Energizing India PodcastEP 66 | Designing Cities for People, Not Just Cars: Rethinking Urban Mobility with Zohra MUTABANNADesigning Cities for People, Not Just Cars: Rethinking Urban Mobility with Zohra MUTABANNAWhat happens when we plug electric vehicles into cities that were never built for them? Urban designer Zohra Mutabanna joins us to unpack the real design challenges of India’s mobility future...from shared transport to the Avoid-Shift-Improve model, and how our cities can evolve into living, breathing ecosystems instead of chaotic grids.Welcome to the Energising India Podcast. On this program, we engage with the key protagonists shaping the future of energy, mobility, and sustainability within India and globally. I’m your...
2025-11-0743 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS6E5 Smart Metatagging Tips for a Path to AI-ready Content with Regina and MaxWe unpack how structured content and metadata make AI useful, reliable, and traceable across complex organizations. Regina and Max join us to connect strategy and tech, from RAG fundamentals to governance that bridges silos and boosts trust.Some highlights:How to define AI readinessMaking metadata part of authoring, not an afterthoughtWhy component content + semantic markup matterData fabrics, ontologies, and harmonized vocabularies What are the barriers to tagging, and how to overcome themRAG for traceable answers and risk controlA cancer information case study for empathy and speedFinding the sweet spot in tag granularityAudits, lifecycle, and content as a...
2025-10-0852 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS6E4 Audio Synthesis in AI: Breaking Down Barriers with Manny SilvaManny graces our show once more to share insights on audio synthesis, a technology that has evolved far beyond robotic voices into sophisticated AI systems. It has made documentation more accessible and enhanced technical communication workflows. Manny and I discuss practical applications, implementation strategies, and ethical considerations for incorporating audio synthesis into documentation.Key takeaways:What is audio synthesis?How the "curb cut effect" of audio options benefits everyone, not just those with disabilitiesHow can you implement audio synthesis through CI/CD pipelines for docs-as-code or integrated into CMS publication workflows?How should you prepare content...
2025-10-0149 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS6E3 Beyond Documentation: Building Knowledge Systems for AI with Kartika RamanWhat happens when AI meets technical writing? It's not the end of the profession—it's an evolution that opens exciting new possibilities for skilled communicators.Kartika Raman, Lead Technical Writer at Salesforce, shares her journey from database administration to technical writing and now to the cutting edge of AI content creation. She explains how the fundamental nature of AI systems—probabilistic rather than deterministic—creates both challenges and opportunities for documentation professionals.As content creators, we already possess the valuable skills needed for success in the AI era. The ability to organize information, provide context, and co...
2025-09-2443 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS6E2 Resume Robots and Chatbot Interviews: Surviving the AI Hiring Maze with Jack MolisaniJack Molisani returns to discuss how technical communication careers are evolving with generative AI. He shares practical advice for navigating the changing landscape with pro tips in this era of resume robots and chatbot interviews, while emphasizing that human expertise remains irreplaceable.A resume should be a personal communication from you to the reader, not an AI-generated documentStop applying through applicant tracking systems designed to weed you out; connect directly with hiring managersHiring managers look for what you are, your seniority level, domain knowledge, tool proficiency, and affordabilityCompanies value technical communicators who can appropriately integrate AI into workflows...
2025-09-1753 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS6E1 Empowering Technical Writers Through Agentic AI: A Conversation with Manny SilvaKicking off our season, Manny Silva discusses how agentic AI is transforming technical documentation workflows and explains why human expertise remains essential despite technological advancements. AI agents are tools that extend our capabilities rather than replace technical writers' core skills. Learn why!Some takeaways from this interesting discussion:Definition of agentic AI as applications that take actions based on the tools provided to them.How common tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and GitHub Copilot qualify as agents.Creating custom AI tools to accelerate documentation drafting processes.Using AI to turn a week-long project into a three-day effort...
2025-09-1253 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS5E10 The Future of Technical Documentation in the AI Era with Selvaraaju MurugesanAs a content creator, you may wonder how your role will evolve with AI on the scene. Are you excited or concerned? Either way, this is a must-listen episode to learn and pivot. Join us as Selvaraaju Murugesan and I discuss this topic at length to explore how content creators and, especially technical writers, need to pivot. We dissect the evolving role of technical writers in the age of AI, focusing on how engineering concepts can be seamlessly integrated with technical writing to enhance content creation and user experience. Selva emphasizes how technical writers can...
2024-08-2948 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS5E9 Expert Tips for Effective Technical Editing with Kim CampbellKim Campbell, who wears many hats, joins me on this latest episode to unlock the secrets behind effective technical editing. Kim and I explore the fundamentals of technical editing, highlighting its pivotal role in ensuring high standards and tailoring content for specific audiences. We dive into the growing necessity of human oversight amidst the rise of AI-generated content, ensuring accuracy and quality remain uncompromised.In our deeper dive into the editing process, we unpack the various levels of technical editing, from developmental and structural editing to copy editing and proofreading. Highlighting the importance of collaboration and open...
2024-08-1458 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS5E8 Reimagining a Unified Content Experience for Customer Success with Scott AbelUnlock the secrets of a unified content experience for enhanced customer satisfaction with Scott Abel. Known as the Content Wrangler, Scott takes us through his journey from journalism to becoming a key player in content strategy. Ever wondered why customer experience is more than just a buzzword? We unpack its multifaceted nature, shining a light on every interaction from prospective to former customers, including internal stakeholders. Scott and I discuss the often-overlooked strategic role of technical writers in delivering timely and relevant content. You'll learn about the potential pitfalls and inefficiencies when customer experience strategies are managed...
2024-07-251h 05
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS5E7 Enhancing Tech Writing Workflows with Markdown and AI with Christopher WardAre traditional documentation formats holding you back? Join us as Christopher Ward offers a unique perspective on the future of technical communication. Discover how Markdown, with its straightforward syntax and open nature, can revolutionize the way technical writers and subject matter experts collaborate. Markdown simplifies collaboration by separating content from style, bridges the gap with developers, and aligns content creation with business goals. We also discussed the profound impact of artificial intelligence and generative AI on the field, underscoring the pivotal role that technical writers play in developing and enhancing AI models while recognizing the l...
2024-07-1154 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS5E6 Using Collaborative Techniques for Prioritizing Content with Robert MillsAs content creators, we are constantly at the edge of our seats as we try to juggle multiple content deliverables. How do we strategize and manage stakeholder expectations? Robert Mills, the founder of Fourth Wall Content, joins me with techniques and insights into collaborative content prioritization. With a journalism and content operations background, Robert shares the power of clear communication and methods you can employ to ensure your workflows and content efforts are efficient and effective.Discover four decision-making techniques: dot voting, the MoSCoW method, the RICE method, and the five whys. Robert and I d...
2024-06-1253 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS5E5 Mastering AI-enhanced Content Creation using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) with Manny SilvaCan outdated training data and hallucinations in large language models (LLMs) hold back your AI projects? Manny Silva joins us to uncover Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), a technique that improves the output of LLMs. He shares practical insights with real-world applications that ensure AI-generated responses are accurate and contextually relevant. The future of content creation is going to be automated. Manny reveals how we can cut down the time required to produce first drafts by using developer tools and open-source communities. Learn about integrating engineering and design documents, and templates from the Good Docs Project...
2024-05-3051 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS5E4 Mastering Project Management as Content Creators with Kieran MorganKieran Morgan and I connected to discuss how to manage projects and priorities as technical communicators, particularly in agile environments. With Kieran's vast experience in operations and governance, he shares strategies that can empower you as a writer to take charge of your workload without the luxury of dedicated project management support.From the importance of planning to the art of negotiation with stakeholders, our conversation dives into project management skills vital for technical writers. As we unravel the complexities of defining scope, scheduling, and budgeting, Kieran offers invaluable advice for those new to the field. Discover h...
2024-05-1549 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS5E3 Regulated Content: Enhance Compliance and Collaboration with Quark SoftwareCurious about the publishing requirements and nitty-gritty of regulated content? Just one compliance slip can mean lost time and dollars. Tune in to this episode to discover how Quark Software can help you cut costs and enhance your compliance, collaboration, and automation efforts. Richard Worrell and Emerson Welch from Quark Software join us for a riveting discussion on the ins and outs of regulated content creation, where every detail matters. You'll learn strategies to ensure your documentation is bulletproof against the most stringent regulatory standards. Prepare to understand the weight of non-compliance and how aligning with corporate...
2024-04-3043 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS5E2 Innovative Tool To Keep Docs in Sync with Your Product with Manny SilvaAs technical communicators, this challenge most likely resonates with you -- how do you keep docs in sync with your product? In the words of Manny Silva, "When product updates are frequent and user expectations are high, maintaining accurate and up-to-date documentation isn’t just a necessity—it’s a competitive advantage." Manny proposes. Docs as Tests, a strategy that keeps your docs in sync with your product. It’s a way to test your docs, just like engineers test their code. As Manny joins me, we unravel the story of Doc Detective—an innovative tool that c...
2024-04-1846 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS5E1 Redefining Note-Taking and the Art of Knowledge Organization with Jorge ArangoThe humble notes serve a larger purpose - be they a simple list, recipes, or essential information we jot down for later recall and planning. We sit down with Jorge Arango, the coauthor of Information Architecture for the Web and Beyond, to unlock the secrets of note-taking. Our first episode of the season with Jorge is more than a conversation; it's a roadmap to redefining how we handle the barrage of digital information overload. His latest work, "Duly Noted," offers deep insights into how we benefit from good note-taking and note-making practices. We discuss the evolution of th...
2024-04-0456 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS4E11 Glimpse into the Future of Technical Writing with AI with Caity CronkhitePrepare to step into the future of technical writing as we explore the ground-breaking intersection of AI and technical communication with Caity Cronkhite, CEO of GoodWords. As an entrepreneur and subject matter expert, Caity offers invaluable insights on how AI is revolutionizing the process of technical writing. While we touch upon the empowering facets of AI, Caity shares with us the valid concerns on data protection and risk understanding that are presented with AI. We also delve into the controversial topic of AI replacing staff in the technical communication space – a future that seems more pr...
2023-09-2152 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS4E10 Optimizing Visual Content in Technical Documentation with Daniel FosterHas your team decided to do away with visuals in product documentation? Or are you struggling to maintain visuals with the rapid and frequent pace of content updates? If so, then this episode is for you.Keeping up with a rapidly evolving tech landscape and maintaining relevant visual content can be daunting. But, the power of visuals can't be undermined. In this insightful conversation, Daniel Foster shares how TechSmith is harnessing the power of AI in its software to create an efficient, streamlined process for creating visuals. From AI-assisted video editing to audio improvement, understand how these...
2023-08-3042 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS4E9 A Deep Dive into Universal Design and Accessible Content with Lindsey WhiteAre you curious about simple ways to make your content universally accessible? Or perhaps you're keen to get a fresh perspective on understanding accessibility? Join us as Lindsey White, an accomplished technical writer, shares her in-depth insights and experiences from her stint managing a department website at Cornell University. We explore the significance of universal design and consider how content can be accessible to all users.Lindsey sheds light on the nuances of intentional language choices and the application of accessibility best practices. Lindsey shares the intriguing concept of the 'curb cut effect' and how it can r...
2023-08-1233 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS4E8 Redefining Content Creation with AI with Matt ThomasEver wonder how AI tools can give you an edge in content creation? Join us as I chat with Matt Thomas, who has journeyed from the realm of technical writing to the world of copywriting and content creation. Unveiling the secrets of his craft, Matt shares how he brings innovation and brainstorming to the fore in copy creation. Get a glimpse of his creative process, where he uses AI tools to create and curate content for LinkedIn posts and copywriting.If you are curious about how to optimize prompt engineering or looking for valuable tips...
2023-07-2743 min
Inside Tech Comm with Zohra MutabannaS4E7 Bridging the Gap: How AI is Reshaping Technical Communication with Ryan BoettgerCurious about the future of technical communication in the rapidly evolving AI landscape? Today's episode with our talented guest, Ryan Boettger, a distinguished professor and department chair at the University of North Texas, promises to enlighten you. Ryan is a ‘prompt engineer,’ someone who acts as the valuable link between AI and humans. From his unique perspective informed by a rich background in linguistics and technical communication, Ryan brings you the latest on how socio-linguistics can inform research and curriculum related to AI. We discuss the value and challenges of Technical Communication as a standalone department. Ryan shar...
2023-07-101h 01
Communicate, Connect, Grow: The OSP PodcastTechnical communication, marketing, and AI: in conversation with Zohra MutabannaReady to reshape your understanding of effective communication? Unlock the secrets of meshing Technical Communication and Marketing with Felicity Brand and our special guest, Zohra Mutabanna from the Inside Tech Com podcast.Check out more Inside Tech Com here: https://www.insidetechcomm.show/1728253Zohra and Felicity delve into the crucial role of empathy, clarity, and trust in establishing successful marketing strategies. Sharing their experiences, they take you on a journey through a landscape where active listening and detailed clarity aren’t just nice-to-have, but pivotal to survival.They also talk about maintaining consistency wi...
2023-07-0436 min