Tech Takeaways

Hosted by Gardner Systems

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Dec 2024

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About the show

Tech Takeaways from the team at Gardner Systems brings you the inside track on the key challenges facing today's businesses. All are delivered in bite-size episodes to help you find answers to the big tech questions.

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60 recent

December 17, 202421 min

Simplifying IT: How to Market Tech to Non-Techies | Ep 68

Any feedback? Let us know here!Marketing IT solutions can be tricky. Your audience isn’t always technical, but they still need to understand the value you bring. In this episode of Tech Takeaways, we’re joined by Josh, Head of Marketing at Gardner Systems, who dives into the art of marketing IT solutions effectively.Josh shares how to cut through jargon, build trust with audiences, and focus on the business benefits—without overwhelming your audience. Whether it’s leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT, creating engaging visuals with Canva, or delivering clear, informative content, Josh highlights the importance of being approachable, visible, and relatable.From blogs to podcasts to internal messaging, this episode is packed with practical tips for IT leaders who need to communicate the why behind the tech. Tune in to learn how to transform technical messaging into content that connects.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:32 Meet Our Special Guest: Josh Mantle00:56 The Role of Marketing in Tech Organizations03:21 Internal Marketing Strategies05:00 Equipping Teams with Sales Ammo07:59 Simplifying Technical Jargon11:12 Leveraging AI in Marketing12:33 Essential Tools for Content Creation14:11 Understanding Your Audience15:23 The Power of Informative Content16:40 Building Relationships Through Visibility20:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

November 5, 202417 min

Lessons from the Frontline of Microsoft Copilot Implementation | Ep 67

Any feedback? Let us know here!In this follow-up episode, host Paul Stringfellow dives deeper with Nathan Miller, Microsoft Program Manager at Bytes, to share essential insights into making Microsoft Copilot implementation successful. Building on last week's discussion, Paul and Nathan cover critical tips for those ready to adopt Copilot, including effective rollout strategies, expectation management, and the reality behind initial hype. Join us for practical advice, from balancing pilot teams across departments to ongoing engagement tactics, that can elevate Copilot deployment in any organization. Don't miss this valuable episode on maximising the power of Microsoft’s Copilot.

October 29, 202417 min

Microsoft Copilot: Real-World Wins | Ep 66

Any feedback? Let us know here!In this episode of Tech Takeaways, Paul Stringfellow sits down with Nathan Miller, Microsoft Program Manager at Bytes, for an in-depth look at the real-world impact of Microsoft Copilot. As businesses explore the potential of generative AI, Nathan shares insights from hands-on experience with Microsoft 365 Copilot, specifically how it’s transforming productivity within Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. From practical implementations to the wins companies are achieving with Copilot’s AI-powered features, Paul and Nathan discuss how organizations can best use these tools and even delve into the emerging best practices for integrating AI across teams. Don’t miss this insightful episode ahead of the Microsoft Copilot Summit! Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:32 Overview of Microsoft Copilot01:45 Nathan's Role and Experience02:24 Understanding Microsoft Copilot03:43 Success Stories with Microsoft Teams06:15 The Future of AI in the Workplace09:18 Competitor Influence on Co-Pilot Adoption11:12 Generational Differences in Co-Pilot Usage11:55 Content Creators and Developers: Key Users of Co-Pilot13:38 Maximizing Co-Pilot's Potential Across Departments14:36 Tech Takeaways: Practical Tips for Co-Pilot Implementation16:35 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

September 17, 202417 min

Cloud Storage Unpacked: Beyond SharePoint and OneDrive | Ep 64

Any feedback? Let us know here!In this week’s episode of Tech Takeaways, hosts Jason and Paul dive deep into the world of cloud storage, breaking down everything you need to know about this essential technology. While many are familiar with popular services like SharePoint and OneDrive, this episode explores how cloud storage goes far beyond just file sharing.Jason and Paul discuss object storage, the backbone of most cloud storage solutions, and why it’s critical for handling large-scale data across geographies. They cover various use cases, from offsite backups and archiving to high-performance cloud storage for demanding applications. Plus, they explore innovative ways companies are leveraging cloud storage for AI-powered video analysis and global data management.Whether you’re managing vast amounts of data, seeking cost-effective storage solutions, or looking to modernize your infrastructure, this episode offers valuable insights on selecting the right cloud storage for your specific needs. Discover how businesses are using cloud storage to cut costs, improve performance, and stay ahead of the curve in this fast-evolving digital landscape.Tune in now to learn how cloud storage can transform your approach to data management and take your tech strategy to the next level!Chapters:00:00 Welcome to Tech Takeaways00:21 Understanding Cloud Storage01:01 Different Types of Cloud Storage03:09 Object Storage Explained06:06 Use Cases for Cloud Storage13:37 Innovative Applications of Cloud Storage16:31 Closing Remarks

September 11, 202415 min

The Insider Threat: Managing Cyber Risk from Within | Ep 63

Any feedback? Let us know here!In this episode of Tech Takeaways, hosts Jason and Paul delve into the often-overlooked dangers that come from within your organisation—insider risk. From accidental data leaks to over-permissioned employees and intentional data theft, insider threats can pose significant risks to your business.Join us as we break down:- The difference between malicious and accidental insider risks- How over-permissioned employees can unintentionally create vulnerabilities- The crucial role of monitoring starters and leavers- Real-world examples of insider incidents and how to prevent them- Tools and strategies to build a comprehensive insider risk management planWhether you're in IT, cybersecurity, or simply concerned about safeguarding your company’s data, this episode will help you understand the importance of addressing insider risks before they become major incidents.00:00 Welcome to Tech Takeaways00:22 Weekly Catch-Up00:51 Introduction to Insider Risk Management01:27 Understanding Insider Risk03:27 Accidental vs. Malicious Insider Risk05:30 Context and Correlation in Risk Management06:46 Starters and Leavers: A Closer Look07:55 Strategies for Managing Insider Risk12:41 Tools and Technologies for Risk Management14:55 Conclusion

September 4, 202415 min

The Evolution of Penetration Testing | Ep 62

Any feedback? Let us know here!Join hosts Paul and Jason in this week's episode of Tech Takeaways as they tackle a critical topic in cybersecurity: the difference between penetration testing and automated continuous penetration testing.In a world where cyber threats are evolving rapidly, understanding these two approaches is essential for any organisation serious about securing its networks and data. Discover the benefits of continuous assessment over traditional methods, and gain insights into why a combination of both may be the optimal strategy.Whether you're a cybersecurity professional, IT leader, or simply curious about the latest in tech security, this episode provides valuable perspectives and actionable advice to help you stay ahead of the curve.Listen now and enhance your cybersecurity strategy with Tech Takeaways!Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:44 Pen Testing02:37 Continuous Pen Testing Explained07:20 Human vs Automated Pen Testing10:32 Practical Tips and Customer Insights15:18 Conclusion

August 27, 202414 min

The Critical Need for Endpoint Backups in Today's World | Ep 61

Any feedback? Let us know here!Ever wondered what happens when your device crashes and you lose all your Personalised settings and shortcuts? Join us for an essential conversation where we unpack the critical importance of endpoint backups, even in our cloud-dependent era. We spotlight how endpoint backups can drastically cut down recovery time during hardware failures or ransomware attacks, compared to just re-imaging devices. Drawing insights from incidents like the CrowdStrike event, we highlight the real-world implications and benefits of having robust endpoint backup systems in place. You'll learn about different backup options, from cloud storage solutions to automated, centrally managed systems, and the practicality of whether to back up all devices or just those of key personnel. We make a compelling case for a consistent backup policy across all endpoints to safeguard against lost productivity. Don’t miss this episode if you want to ensure your organization is prepared for any digital disaster.Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:13 Endpoint Backups01:40 Why Bother with Endpoint Backups?02:50 The Importance of Customisations04:01 Ransomware and Recovery08:30 Endpoint Backup Solutions10:23 Enterprise Endpoint Backup Strategies12:05 Conclusion and Takeaways13:32 Closing Remarks

August 13, 202420 min

Turbulence in Tech: Airport Incident Response | Ep 60

Any feedback? Let us know here!In this week's episode of Tech Takeaways, we continue our deep dive into the fascinating and high-stakes world of airport IT management with part two of our insightful conversation with John Fazakerley, the Head of IT at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. This episode picks up where we left off, delving further into the complexities of managing critical infrastructure in an environment where every second counts.John Fazakerley takes us behind the scenes of the recent CrowdStrike incident, a significant event that temporarily disrupted IT systems at the airport, putting their operational resilience to the test. As John unpacks the incident, he shares not only the technical challenges they faced but also the strategic decisions that shaped their response. From the initial detection of the breach to the coordinated efforts to restore systems, John provides a rare inside look at how a major airport navigates such crises.One of the key themes of this episode is the importance of maintaining composure and perspective in the face of unexpected challenges. John emphasizes the value of pausing to assess the situation thoroughly before rushing into solutions—a crucial lesson for anyone involved in IT or crisis management. He also reflects on the broader implications of such incidents, offering valuable takeaways on risk management, communication, and the continuous improvement of security protocols.Whether you're an IT professional, a tech enthusiast, or simply interested in the intricate workings of modern airports, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice. If you missed part one, make sure to listen to it first to get the full context of our discussion. Then, join us as we explore how to keep the cogs turning smoothly even when the technology that underpins everything comes to a grinding halt.Tune in to Tech Takeaways for this captivating discussion that highlights the real-world challenges of IT management and the lessons learned from navigating a crisis when the stakes couldn't be higher.Chapters:00:00 Welcome to Tech Takeaways00:19 Introduction of Guests and Recap00:59 Incident Response Overview01:57 CrowdStrike Incident Experience03:44 Initial Discovery and Response10:51 Hands-On Remediation17:36 Learning from Incidents19:26 Final Thoughts and Takeaways20:21 Closing Remarks

August 6, 202416 min

A day above the clouds: Operating an Airport's critical infrastructure | Ep 59

Any feedback? Let us know here!A Day Above the Clouds: Operating an Airport's Critical Infrastructure takes you inside the bustling world of airport IT with John Fazakerley, IT Director at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. In this episode, we uncover the complexities of managing critical infrastructure, the evolving role of technology in aviation, and the relentless focus on security and resilience.Join hosts Paul Stringfellow and Jason Fitzgerald as they explore the day-to-day challenges and triumphs of keeping an airport's digital and physical systems running smoothly. From cybersecurity to disaster recovery, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the technology that keeps our airports—and by extension, our nation—safe and operational.Chapters00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:20 Meet John Fazakerley: Head of IT at Liverpool John Lennon Airport01:46 John's Career Journey in IT03:22 The Unique Challenges of IT in an Airport06:08 Cybersecurity in Critical Infrastructure11:25 Adapting to Change: Lessons from the Pandemic14:03 Tips for Aspiring IT Professionals15:16 Conclusion and What's Next

August 1, 202420 min

The Day Tech Stood Still: CrowdStrike’s Big Breakdown | EP 58

Any feedback? Let us know here!In this week’s episode of Tech Takeaways, hosts Paul Stringfellow and Jason Fitzgerald tackle the recent CrowdStrike incident that left 8.6 million devices facing the dreaded blue screen of death. Recorded just days after the event, this episode offers a timely analysis of what happened, how it impacted businesses globally, and the critical lessons every organization should take away.We also explore the Microsoft Azure issue that coincided with CrowdStrike’s troubles, discuss the risks of relying on single-vendor infrastructure, and debate the pros and cons of immediate patching vs. risk mitigation.If you want to understand the implications of these incidents and learn how to better prepare your IT systems for unexpected challenges, this episode is a must-listen.Key Topics:Breakdown of the CrowdStrike and Microsoft incidentsThe risks of single-vendor reliance in ITThe importance of timely updates in cybersecurityPractical advice for safeguarding your businessDon’t miss out on this essential discussion that could help you avoid future IT disasters. Subscribe now and stay ahead of the curve!