CDW Canada Tech Talks

In this season finale of CDW Tech Talks, co-hosts Brian Matthews and Ivo Wiens take a step back to reflect on the biggest themes from the past season and look ahead to what’s next in technology. The conversation highlights how rapidly AI has evolved and how consistently it has shaped discussions across modern workspace, cloud and cybersecurity. Drawing on experiences from recent episodes and custo...

In this episode, cybersecurity experts Ivo Wiens and Ben Boi-Doku unpack findings from CDW’s Canadian Cybersecurity Study that point to a disconnect between leadership confidence and actual cybersecurity capabilities. Based on research conducted with IDC, the discussion explores why many organizations are layering advanced security tools on top of fragile foundations, leaving critical gaps in iden...

Host Brian Matthews is joined by Andy Froese for a recap of BTEX Toronto 2026, where more than 1,300 IT leaders and innovators explored the future of enterprise technology. From AI and cybersecurity to data strategy and resilience, they break down the biggest themes shaping today’s IT landscape, highlight standout sessions — including a record-breaking Microsoft Copilot demo — and discuss why coll...

Join KJ Burke, as he dives into the key highlights from NVIDIA's GTC 2026 conference. Discover the latest in AI advancements, robotics, space computing and enterprise strategies shaping the future of technology. To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In episode one of our 2026 CDW Canadian Cybersecurity Study series, Ivo Wiens and Ben Boi‑Doku explore how cybersecurity has become a board‑level priority and why increased funding now comes with higher expectations. As budgets grow, leaders are demanding measurable proof of risk reduction, not just security activity. This episode breaks down practical ways to quantify cyber risk, from KRIs and vu...

In this episode, our CDW experts dive into the ongoing global supply chain disruptions impacting the technology industry. We explore how organizations can adapt, optimize existing assets and leverage new technologies to navigate this complex landscape effectively. To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use...

In part two of this episode, KJ Burke and Jodey Hogeland, Global Technologist at Dell Technologies, explores how modern storage platforms are evolving to meet the demands of AI, automation and hybrid IT environments. From the industry’s shift away from “cloud‑first” thinking to the rise of autonomous infrastructure, Jodey shares practical insights on how IT leaders can future‑proof their data foun...

In part one of this episode, Host KJ Burke is joined by Jodey Hogeland, Global Technologist at Dell Technologies, to discuss early containerization foresight, the growing data deletion dilemma in an AI-driven world and how IT leaders are shifting from cost centers to strategic partners at the executive table. This conversation sets the foundation for understanding why infrastructure decisions matt...

In this episode, host Ivo Wiens offers a sneak peek into insights from CDW's new cybersecurity study. Discover why even with increased cybersecurity investments, many organizations still face challenges in risk management and incident response.  To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data fo...

In this episode, discover how to optimize the employee journey from onboarding to offboarding using cutting-edge tech solutions. Brett Hardy, Head of Modern Workspace Services at CDW Canada, joins Brian Matthews to share insights on persona-based provisioning, agentic AI and smart automation to enhance workforce support. Perfect for IT professionals and HR leaders, this episode offers actionable s...

In this episode of CDW Tech Talks, Brian Matthews and Ashley Otto explore how organizations can train and leverage AI Copilot agents effectively within their workflows. They focus on practical strategies, real-world use cases and best practices to maximize AI agent impact. To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection...

Turn AI hype into real results. In this episode, we share a practical framework for building a successful AI pipeline — helping you identify, evaluate and prioritize high-impact use cases without wasting time or resources. Learn why focusing on proof of productivity instead of traditional ROI can better demonstrate value and discover how data readiness, strategic alignment and organizational buy-i...

Move beyond basic chatbots and discover how AI can become a proactive, context-aware engine for your organization. In this episode, KJ Burke – Field CTO, Hybrid Infrastructure explores the four stages of AI maturity, from simple conversational tools to agentic AI capable of executing complex tasks autonomously. Learn how technologies like prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) an...

Legacy contact centres are costly, complex and holding businesses back — but cloud and API-driven innovation is changing everything. In this episode of CDW Tech Talks, host Brian Matthews, Head of Modern Workspace – Services Strategy and Development, sits down with Curtiss Hoeft, Senior Field Solutions Architect, to explore how modern contact center platforms reduce costs, boost flexibility and po...

In this episode, host Ivo Wiens is joined by Ben Boi-Doku, Chief Cybersecurity Strategist at CDW Canada, explore the rapidly-evolving landscape of AI agents, discussing practical questions about deployment, security and policy. Whether you're an everyday user or a tech enthusiast, this conversation provides valuable insights into how AI is shaping our personal and professional lives and what to wa...

In this episode of the CDW Tech Talk Podcast, host Brian Matthews, Head of Services Strategy & Development, Modern Workspace Solutions, CDW Canada is joined by Shahab Ahmed, Solutions Manager, Digital Workspace, CDW Canada, to discuss how organizations are putting AI to work in practical ways. They explore real-world use cases alongside the challenges of AI adoption, covering why governance, train...

In this episode of CDW's Tech Talks, host KJ Burke discusses the significant price increases in IT infrastructure, driven by supply chain issues and the rising demand for AI-related hardware. The conversation explores the impact of these changes on budgets and offers strategies for organizations to navigate the challenges ahead. To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company....

Most organizations rely on outdated penetration tests that check boxes, but miss real threats already inside their networks. Host Ivo Wiens, Field CTO for Cybersecurity, sits down with Mikhail Falkovich, former CISO turned security leader at Microsoft, to unpack why perimeter defenses fail and why zero trust is a mindset, not a buzzword. They explore insider threats, the limits of traditional pen...

Key Takeaways Generative AI is impacting various sectors, including customer support and finance. Microsoft's $19 billion investment in Canadian AI is a significant milestone. Data sovereignty and security are critical in AI implementation. AI tools can enhance productivity and creativity in the workplace. Education and training are essential for successful AI adoption. Organizations need clear AI...

In this episode of CDW Tech Talks, host Ivo Wiens and Ben Boi-Doku, Head, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Strategy, CDW Canada, discuss the practical implications of using AI in the workplace. They address common questions about AI usage, data privacy and security concerns, emphasizing the importance of understanding company policies and personal responsibility when using AI tools. The conversation...

Takeaways AI skills gap is a significant challenge for organizations. Skilling is essential for adapting to technological changes. Organizations must leverage AI tools to enhance productivity. A growth mindset is crucial for individual and organizational success. Continuous learning is necessary in the tech industry. AI should be seen as a co-pilot, not a replacement. Organizations need to build s...

In this episode, KJ announces the reimagined CDW Canada Tech Talks, outlining what’s ahead for 2026. You can expect more frequent episodes, new expert hosts and a broader range of topics, including AI, cybersecurity, cloud management and public sector innovation. Our mission remains clear: deliver timely insights and practical advice to help IT leaders stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape. T...

In this episode KJ Burke discusses the technology trends of 2025 and predictions for 2026. He covers the maturation of AI, the importance of treating data as a product, innovations at the edge, managing cross-cloud environments, building business resiliency and automating the skills gap. Looking ahead, he highlights key trends for 2026, including AI for business automation, security governance, in...

In this episode of the CDW Canada Tech Talks podcast, host KJ Burke engages with CDW experts Joe D'Amato, Kris Kostiuk and Kevin Ellsworth to explore the evolving technology landscape of media and entertainment. They discuss the unique challenges faced by the industry, including project-based workflows, cybersecurity threats and the impact of AI on content creation. The conversation highlights the...

In this episode, KJ Burke and John Encizo, Field CTO – ISG Americas at Lenovo discuss the current state of enterprise AI, exploring its potential, challenges and the reality behind the hype. They delve into the importance of data management, the role of AI in driving organizational change and how businesses can successfully adopt AI technologies. The conversation highlights the need for a strategi...