Go Beyond The Connection

When your infrastructure can’t expand any further, you don’t just add hardware—you rethink everything. Chris Crist, Chief Information Officer at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, joins Go Beyond the Connection to explain how a wireless-first strategy became the foundation for nonstop operations at the world’s busiest airport. With over 108 million passengers annually and a complex...

What’s the hidden cost of internal misalignment in tech companies? According to Jordan Liebman, it’s not just friction—it’s lost growth, missed customer outcomes, and a lack of clarity across the business. In this episode of Go Beyond the Connection , Jordan—a marketing executive with leadership roles at Verizon, BlueJeans, and Konica Minolta—shares how tech teams can achieve more by working toget...

What does it take to keep a fully remote company running smoothly—at scale? Cal Krome, Head of IT at Calm, joins Go Beyond the Connection to share his approach to building trust, deploying cloud-first systems, and designing IT processes that actually help people. With a background that spans everything from solo IT support to launching 40+ global offices at Lyft, Cal offers a refreshingly human pe...

When it comes to network strategy, Ajay Malik doesn’t just follow trends—he helps define them. With a background spanning Wi-Fi Alliance, Google, Cisco, and more, Ajay brings unmatched expertise to the intersection of wireless networking and AI. As CEO of StudioX, he’s advising organizations across industries on how to build more resilient, intelligent infrastructures that do more than just connec...

Cybersecurity isn’t just about technology—it’s about leadership. In this episode of Go Beyond the Connection , Javed Ikbal breaks down how misalignment at the executive level weakens even the most well-funded cybersecurity programs. Drawing on decades of experience in security leadership, Javed explains why CISOs must stop speaking in technical terms and start communicating business risk. He share...

What does it take to design a network that won’t go down—even when something breaks? In this episode, Milagro CEO Hamed Mazrouei shares how he built the HAFT platform to deliver fault-tolerant, high-availability infrastructure across multiple business locations, even on a budget. Key Learnings : Design for every failure point Scale HA with Bigleaf SD-WAN Keep your brand safe through tech and partn...

When healthcare systems fail, lives are on the line. That’s why CIOs can’t just be operational—they must lead. In this episode of Go Beyond the Connection , Julie Dearinger-Smith, Founder & CEO at Contingency Health Solutions, discusses how CIO leadership in healthcare resilience is reshaping patient safety, business continuity, and cross-functional alignment. Julie brings 25+ years of experie...

Is your C-Suite helping or hindering your data strategy? Rob Huffstedtler, Global Head of Solutions Architecture at Sitecore , brings decades of cross-functional experience to this question—and the answer isn’t always obvious. In Episode 11 of Go Beyond the Connection , Rob explains why aligning executive leadership with technical goals is the difference between meaningful innovation and organizat...

Dean Sapp, Chief Information Security Officer at Filevine, explains why cybersecurity is more than just a cost center. He explores the financial risks of data breaches, revealing how swiftly companies can lose customers. He shows that business-minded security leaders need both technical skills and commercial acumen. He offers insights on leveraging IT to enhance revenue and trust. “A breach can hi...

Scott Reid, National Vice President of Technology Strategy and Sales at Radiology Partners, dives into why hitting the reset button is sometimes the smartest move. From lessons learned on championship teams to leading successful business strategies, Scott shares how continuous reevaluation and embracing change drive real growth. “You'll know it's time to start over when results decline and competi...

Gary Trobaugh, Director of Information Technology at Life Flight Network, explores the pivotal role of a wireless-first approach in modern network infrastructure. He highlights how quick setup, mobility, and satellite connectivity create competitive advantages. He underscores the importance of securing sensitive data—especially in life-critical industries—and why seamless connectivity enables rapi...

Most IT leaders know they cannot do everything alone. But knowing that and actually building the partner relationships that make a difference are two very different things. In this episode, Steve MacDonald sits down with Shawn Tinsley, Senior Director of IT at Dell Technologies, to talk about what it really takes to build partner ecosystems that drive results. Shawn brings a rare combination of ex...

Sampo Parkkinen, CEO of Revieve, discusses the rising importance of connectivity in today’s remote work landscape. He explains how AI transforms customer experiences across online, in-app, and in-store channels. Emphasizing robust network infrastructure and cloud solutions, he advocates for innovation that drives customer engagement and enterprise success. “Reliable connectivity is the backbone of...

Adam Krob, Director of Information Technology at Field Audit, and Process Improvement at Boh Bros. Construction Co., LLC, explains how he became passionate about file and print networks in 1989. He shares why the German language remains a significant personal interest. Adam dives into pressing issues around connectivity, data management, and fiber versus wireless considerations. He emphasizes the...

Eric Cole, Founder and CEO at Secure Anchor Consulting, explores critical challenges around data security in a connected world. He highlights how many of us lose track of our digital assets when relying on cloud storage and wireless networks. He demonstrates the risks of neglected security controls, particularly as we scale operations. He offers practical advice for building resilience without sac...

-- Visit Go Beyond The Connection website for more information Interview Guest: Jim Grassman, Vice President of Technology at Homes for Heroes Find them on LinkedIn

Intelligent connectivity has become a critical necessity for businesses, particularly in an era where internet downtime can incur significant financial losses. In our inaugural episode of Go Beyond the Connection, we engage in a profound dialogue with Dave Idle, the Chief Product Officer at Bigleaf Networks, who elucidates the transformative potential of purpose-built SD-WAN, intelligent routing,...