Minerva Meets

Hosted by Sonal Chandler

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Minerva Meets is a podcast presented by Minerva Consulting. Hosted by Sonal Chandler, each episode explores critical topics in cybersecurity and AI readiness, offering insights and practical guidance for navigating today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. Whether you’re safeguarding your organization or unlocking the potential of AI, this podcast delivers engaging conversations to educate, inspire, and empower organizations to thrive in a digital world. https://minervaconsultinginc.com/ letstalk@minervaconsultinginc.com

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29 recent

June 26, 2026Episode 2848 min

The Reality of AI Agents: From Idea to Implementation

In this episode of Minerva Meets, I sit down with Tyler Sztuka , Founder of SZD Labs and Claude Community Ambassador, to explore what it really takes to move from the idea of an AI agent to successful implementation. While many organizations are eager to adopt agentic AI, few realize the foundational work required before an AI agent can deliver meaningful business value. We discuss how to identify the right use cases, why process mapping and data readiness matter, the difference between automation and true AI agents, and the importance of governance, security, and ongoing oversight. Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or evaluating AI agents for your organization, this episode offers practical guidance to help you build the right foundation before you build the technology. Key Takeaways from this episode: AI readiness is more important than AI speed. Successful AI starts with process, people, and data. Long-term value comes from continuous governance and monitoring. *** To learn more about working with Minerva, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠Minerva Consulting ⁠⁠⁠⁠. Contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠ letstalk@minervaconsultinginc.com ⁠⁠⁠.⁠ Find Minerva on ⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about the host, ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sonal Chandler⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Learn more about our guest, ⁠⁠ Tyler Szt⁠⁠uka .

May 1, 2026Episode 2735 min

Understanding AI Search: From Searching to Answers

In this episode of Minerva Meets, I’m joined by returning guest ⁠ Thiago Ferreira ⁠ of ⁠ Elevate AI Consulting⁠ to break down AI search, what it is, why it matters, and how it’s changing the way we find and use information. Search used to mean typing something in, reviewing results, and deciding what matters. AI search is changing that experience. We’re now getting direct answers faster, more personalized, and often without going back to the source. In this conversation, we unpack what’s happening behind the scenes, how tools like ChatGPT and Google’s AI summaries fit into this shift, and why this isn’t just a technology change, it’s a change in behavior. We also explore what this means for businesses, from visibility to credibility, and how to think about search moving forward. If you’re trying to understand where search is headed and what it means for how you work or run your business, this episode will give you a clear starting point. Key takeaways from this episode: ✅ What AI search is and how it differs from traditional search ✅ How the shift from “searching” to “getting answers” is changing behavior ✅ What this means for businesses trying to stay visible and relevant *** To learn more about working with Minerva, visit ⁠⁠ ⁠Minerva Consulting ⁠⁠⁠. Contact us at ⁠⁠⁠ letstalk@minervaconsultinginc.com⁠⁠ .⁠ Find Minerva on ⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about the host, ⁠⁠⁠ Sonal Chandler ⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about our guest, ⁠ Thiago Ferreira ⁠ .

March 16, 2026Episode 2631 min

The Identity Equation: Process, Policy, and Technology

In this episode of Minerva Meets, I sit down with Hanno Ekdahl , CEO of Idenhaus , to discuss the foundations of Identity and Access Management (IAM) and why it plays such a critical role in cybersecurity. Identity may not always be the most visible part of a security program, but it sits at the center of how organizations manage access, protect systems, and maintain accountability. As companies grow, adopt cloud technologies, and support hybrid work environments, managing identity becomes more complex. Hanno shares insights from over two decades of experience helping organizations from mid-sized businesses to Fortune 50 companies design identity programs that scale with their operations. Together, we explore why identity initiatives stall, the role of data and process in successful implementations, and why identity requires more than just a technology solution. *** Key takeaways from this episode: ✅ Why identity has become the organizing principle of cybersecurity ✅ The most common reasons IAM initiatives stall ✅ Why strong identity programs require alignment between process, policy, and technology *** To learn more about working with Minerva, visit ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Minerva Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Contact us at ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠letstalk@minervaconsultinginc.com⁠ ⁠⁠.⁠ Find Minerva on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Learn more about the host, ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Sonal Chandler⁠ ⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about our guest, Hanno Ekdahl and Idenhaus

January 25, 2026Episode 2544 min

When Cyber Incidents Become Reputation Decisions

In this episode of Minerva Meets, I sit down with Casey Boggs of ReputationUs to explore what happens when a cyber incident becomes more than a technical problem, it becomes a reputation decision. We move beyond incident response checklists to talk about the part leaders often underestimate: communication, trust, and public perception. Casey shares how reputation risk shows up in real life, the early missteps that can escalate damage, and what organizations can do ahead of time to respond with clarity without creating confusion or fueling the narrative. He also introduces practical frameworks leaders can use immediately, including Up–Inside–Out communications and the 3 C’s: clarity, coordination, and credibility. This episode is a must-listen for leaders who want to protect trust, prepare their teams, and respond confidently when the pressure is on. Key Takeaways: ✅ Why cyber incidents feel personal and why that changes stakeholder reactions ✅ How to communicate under pressure using the Up–Inside–Out approach ✅ What reputation recovery looks like after the incident is “over” *** To learn more about working with Minerva, visit ⁠⁠⁠ Minerva Consulting⁠⁠⁠ . Contact us at ⁠⁠⁠ letstalk@minervaconsultinginc.com ⁠⁠.⁠ Find Minerva on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ . Learn more about the host, ⁠⁠⁠ Sonal Chandler ⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about our guest, Casey Boggs & ReputationUS .

December 18, 2025Episode 2235 min

The Human Side of Enterprise AI Training, Governance, and New Roles

In this episode of Minerva Meets, I sit down with Thiago Ferreira of Elevate AI Consulting to explore the human side of enterprise AI adoption. We move beyond AI tools and marketing claims to discuss what organizations are actually grappling with today training employees, setting governance, evolving org charts, and responding to growing pressure to prove AI ROI. Thiago shares what he’s seeing across large enterprises, including why transparency matters for adoption, how new AI roles are emerging, and which ones may fade as AI matures. This episode is a must-listen for leaders navigating AI strategy, workforce enablement, and responsible AI adoption at scale. Key Takeaways: ✅ Why AI training is critical to realizing ROI ✅ How governance and innovation can coexist ✅ What new AI roles are taking shape inside enterprises *** To learn more about working with Minerva, visit ⁠⁠ Minerva Consulting ⁠⁠. Contact us at ⁠⁠ letstalk@minervaconsultinginc.com⁠⁠. Find Minerva on ⁠⁠ LinkedIn ⁠⁠. Learn more about the host, ⁠⁠ Sonal Chandler⁠⁠ . Learn more about our guest, Thiago Ferreira

November 26, 2025Episode 2348 min

What Leaders Need to Know About AI and Business Transformation

In this episode of Minerva Meets, I sit down with Zach Pastko and Loren Allston of W. Capra , a consultancy helping organizations transform through technology, data, payments, security, and customer experience. Together, we unpack what business transformation really looks like in an AI-driven world and why so many companies are stuck between curiosity and real impact. We explore the fundamentals: strategy, data readiness, infrastructure, governance, people, and how leaders can build momentum with smart early wins rather than racing toward the shiniest AI tools. Zach and Loren share insights from retail, payments, and the convenience/energy sectors, highlighting where AI is creating lift today and how executives can prepare their organizations for what’s coming next. Key Takeaways: ✅ Why AI success begins with clear strategy and defined outcomes and not experimentation alone. ✅ How data readiness, governance, and infrastructure shape an organization’s true ability to use AI. ✅ Why employee upskilling and change management determine whether AI adoption sticks. *** To learn more about working with Minerva, visit ⁠ Minerva Consulting ⁠. Contact us at ⁠letstalk@minervaconsultinginc.com⁠ . Find Minerva on ⁠ LinkedIn ⁠. Learn more about the host, ⁠ Sonal Chandler ⁠. Learn more about our guests, Zach Pastko & Loren Allston .

October 27, 2025Episode 2230 min

Payment Processing & Cybersecurity: What SMBs Miss

In this episode of Minerva Meets, I sit down with Mike Kintz , President of Wingman Payments , to talk about a part of your business that often flies under the radar, how you get paid. Payment processing isn’t just about moving money; it’s a core part of your cybersecurity and compliance footprint. Mike explains where small and mid-sized businesses often run into trouble, from hidden fees and chargebacks to PCI compliance, and how the right setup can protect both revenue and reputation. We also discuss how AI is transforming fraud detection and risk management, and why pairing technology with trusted service makes all the difference. Key Takeaways: ✅ Why payment processing is part of your security and compliance program, not just back office ✅ PCI compliance made simple: annual questionnaires, quarterly scans, and avoiding penalty fees ✅ How to spot and negotiate creeping rate increases ✅ Where AI helps today, from fraud detection to 3-D Secure chargeback protection *** To learn more about working with Minerva, visit ⁠⁠ Minerva Consulting ⁠⁠. Contact us at ⁠⁠ letstalk@minervaconsultinginc.com ⁠⁠. Find Minerva on ⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ . Learn more about the host, ⁠⁠ Sonal Chandler ⁠⁠. Learn more about our guest, ⁠ Mike Kintz .

October 23, 2025Episode 2139 min

Rolling Out Microsoft Copilot: What It Really Takes to Get Results

In this episode of Minerva Meets, I sit down with Rachael Narel, Ph.D . , CISA , Employee Engagement and Productivity Practice Manager at Interlink Cloud Advisors . Together, we move beyond the Microsoft Copilot hype and focus on how to roll it out successfully and turn AI potential into everyday productivity. We dive into the essentials like data quality, security and access controls, change management, and AI literacy. Rachael shares how organizations can prepare both their technology and their people, why Copilot isn’t plug-and-play, and what steps truly drive adoption across teams. Key Takeaways: ✅ Why Copilot success depends on people, process, and technology, not just licenses ✅ How to prepare your data and governance structure for AI-powered work ✅ The change management practices that help users adopt Copilot with confidence ✅ Practical use cases that save time across HR, marketing, sales, and project management PTO Prompt: Summarize my emails, Teams messages and channel messages between [Start Date] and [End Date]. List action items in a dedicated column. Suggest follow-ups if possible, in a dedicated column. The table should look like this: Type (Mail /Teams /Channel) | Date |Topic | Summarization | Action item | Follow-up. If I have been directly mentioned, make the font of the topic bold. *** To learn more about working with Minerva, visit ⁠Minerva Consulting ⁠. Contact us at ⁠ letstalk@minervaconsultinginc.com ⁠. Find Minerva on ⁠ LinkedIn ⁠. Learn more about the host, ⁠Sonal Chandler ⁠. Learn more about our guest, Rachael Narel .

August 20, 2025Episode 2044 min

Leading with AI Mindset, Culture, and Adoption That Works

In this episode of Minerva Meets, I sit down with Terry Keating , a seasoned executive who has led companies through major technology shifts. Together, we cut through the AI noise and focus on what really matters: how leaders can drive adoption with confidence . We dive into the essentials: mindset shifts, modeling the right behavior, involving end users early, and building trust with AI tools. Terry shares why reframing AI as part of a long line of business evolution, not a disruptive threat, helps organizations embrace change, improve processes, and stay competitive. Key Takeaways: ✅ How to shift the leadership mindset so AI feels approachable, not intimidating ✅ Why involving end users early drives adoption and reduces resistance ✅ Practical ways to build trust with AI tools while keeping human oversight in the loop *** To learn more about working with Minerva, visit Minerva Consulting . Contact us at letstalk@minervaconsultinginc.com . Find Minerva on LinkedIn . Learn more about the host, Sonal Chandler . Learn more about our guest, Terry Keating .

July 24, 2025Episode 1932 min

From Ideas to Assets How Patents Drive Innovation in AI, Cybersecurity, and Beyond

In this episode of Minerva Meets, I interview Jon Hobbs, a patent attorney and CEO of IP Solution . We discuss how patents apply to software, AI, and cybersecurity, clarifying common misconceptions and the impact of legal cases like Alice v. CLS Bank. Jon explains the patenting process, its importance for startups, and how patents can boost company valuation and attract investors. The conversation also covers fostering innovation within organizations and practical tips for securing intellectual property. The episode explains patents, emphasizing their strategic value in technology-driven businesses. ****** To learn more about working with Minerva, visit our online home at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Minerva Consulting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Contact us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ letstalk@minervaconsultinginc.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠ Find Minerva on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about the host, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sonal Chandler ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ Learn more about our guest, Jon Hobbs and IP Solution .