#shifthappens in the Digital Workplace Podcast

AI is reshaping modern leadership — and Jeff Epstein is here to help us decode the shift. In Part 2 of our two-part series, we go beyond the balance sheet and into what makes great boards work, how to lead through uncertainty, and why AI agents will soon outnumber your team. From Charlie Munger’s mental models to the next generation of work, this episode is a crash course in navigating disruption...

What separates a good CFO from a transformational one? Jeff Epstein, Operating Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners and former Oracle CFO, breaks it down. In this episode, he shares battle-tested strategies on balancing growth and profitability, turning finance into a lever for innovation, and building governance systems that scale. This two-part episode is a must-listen for business leaders manag...

The finance world is shifting fast, and AI is leading this change. However, how can organizations use it responsibly to maintain trust and stay compliant? Ahikam Kaufman, CEO of Safebooks AI, breaks down how AI is helping CFOs and finance teams automate financial data validation, reduce fraud, and navigate growing compliance demands.

AI is moving fast, and for Ron Green, co-founder and CTO of kungfu.ai, it’s about more than just new tools. It’s about how to work with them. In this #shifthappens episode, Ron shares his journey into the field, his thoughts on AGI, and why human oversight still matters. We look at how AI is changing software development, where creativity fits in, and how businesses can adapt without losing contro...

AI is here to stay, but are businesses using it effectively? In this episode, Kevin Dean, President and CEO of ManoByte, shares how companies can move beyond AI experimentation and integrate it into their core strategy. This episode dives into AI adoption, the evolving role of IT, and how AI-driven solutions like digital agents are transforming industries.

The Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry is undergoing a major shift as AI, automation, and cybersecurity redefine business operations. In this #shifthappens episode, Jorn Wittendorp, Founder of Ydentic, and Mario Carvajal, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at AvePoint, discuss the Ydentic-AvePoint acquisition, the trends affecting the industry, and strategies for MSPs to stay ahead.

#shifthappens 100th episode dives into one of the biggest challenges in tech: staying secure while pushing innovation forward. In this episode, Crayon CEO Melissa Mulholland went from Intel intern to global tech leader and now helps organizations navigate security, innovation, and the future of cyber resilience.

Cybercrime is advancing fast, with AI playing a significant role in both attacks and defense. In this episode of #shifthappens, we sit down with cybersecurity expert and Have I Been Pwned Founder Troy Hunt to uncover the real threats of data breaches, why some companies suppress or delay breach disclosures, and how AI is reshaping cybersecurity — both for good and bad. From social engineering scam...

AI is transforming data security, but not by changing the rules; it’s amplifying both risks and rewards. In this episode of the #shifthappens podcast, Bob Buda, Founder of Buda Consulting, shares how organizations can harness AI without compromising data integrity. He highlights the importance of getting the basics right for AI-driven insights. From managing unstructured data to addressing AI-powe...

The future of accessible AI isn't just about creating new technologies – it's about ensuring technologies serve everyone regardless of ability. Ioana Tanase, AI and Accessibility Program Manager at Microsoft, shares 97% of the world's websites are not accessible, underscoring the magnitude of the digital divide that people with disabilities face daily. This reveals the tremendous op...

AI agents represent the next frontier in artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional AI, which requires explicit instructions, AI agents can take actions on behalf of users and solve semi-complex tasks. This democratization of AI allows businesses of all sizes to compete on a level playing field and innovate in ways that were previously unimaginable. Sam Mallikarjunan, a growth strategist, entrepr...

Leadership plays a crucial role in driving digital transformation. A hands-on approach is exemplified by leaders like Jeff Bezos and Satya Nadella, who are actively involved in solving problems and understanding their businesses from the ground up — actively rolling up their sleeves and working alongside their teams. Learn why traditional operational approaches often fail in transformation initiat...

Join us as Javier Inclán, Assistant Inspector General for Management and CIO at the National Science Foundation - Office of Inspector General (NSF OIG), debunks the myth that government lags in technology. Discover how NSF OIG attracts top talent through programs like the NSF-funded Scholarship for Service, and learn about the critical role of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)...

Imagine a world where sorting through stacks of invoices and summarizing financial reports is no longer a tedious task, but one accomplished quickly and accurately by AI. This picture is becoming increasingly a reality driven by technological advancements, private equity investments in CPA firms, and a shrinking talent pipeline. David Hartley, Partner-in-Charge of Advisory at Anders CPAs + Advisor...

The business technology landscape is rapidly evolving, but not in the ways many expected. Rather than returning to "normalcy" following the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations face new challenges in a more complex environment accelerated by digital transformation. Jon Reed, Co-Founder of diginomica, offers a unique perspective on responsible AI implementation, the gap between vendor hype an...

One of the key challenges in AI adoption is overcoming resistance rooted in misconceptions about what AI is and how it works. Daniel Larsson, Senior Architect at Cristie Nordic, highlights the importance of education in the AI adoption process. By demystifying AI and explaining its limitations as well as its capabilities, organizations can help employees feel more comfortable with the technology a...

How can we overcome the stigma that when one uses AI, it means they didn’t put any thought into their task? By understanding AI's strengths and limitations, we can create a distinction that the future of AI is not about automation, but collaboration. Maarten Eekels, Global Solution Director for Data & AI at Rapid Circle and Microsoft MVP & Regional Director shares his insights on adop...

Empowering women in technology through education, mentorship, and networking—this is the mission of Christine Bongard, the co-founder and CEO of the WIT Network, a global non-profit organization dedicated on providing professional development, technology training, and leadership development for women. In this #shifthappens episode, we explore the impact of AI in the technology industry, addressing...

Portugal is experiencing a cultural and digital shift with the bring-your-own-AI trend spanning across generations. According to the 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report from Microsoft and LinkedIn, 85% of Gen Z employees and 73% of boomers are already bringing their AI skills and knowledge to the workplace. Andrés Ortolá, General Manager of Microsoft Portugal, shares his insights on AI's pote...

According to the Microsoft Work Trend Index, 88% of knowledge workers in Vietnam use generative AI, higher than the global average of 75%. Vietnam has long been known for its young, open-minded, and tech-savvy population. Tram Nguyen, General Director of Microsoft Vietnam, shares fascinating insights into how the country is now taking giant leaps in technology adoption, particularly in AI innovati...

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the global business landscape, and Australia and New Zealand are no exception. In this episode of the #shifthappens podcast, Chandima Kulathilake, Account Technology Strategist for Microsoft ANZ Public Sector, shared valuable insights on AI adoption trends, challenges, and opportunities in the region. He emphasized that successf...

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept but a transformative tool reshaping industries and revolutionizing the way we live, learn, and work. In this episode of #shifthappens Alex Pearce, a Microsoft MVP and a Chief Strategist for Microsoft and Education at Softcat, shares insights on leveraging Microsoft's Copilot capabilities to maximize investments and drive innovatio...

Many businesses are concerned about the impact of AI on content creation and SEO. Greg Brooks, Partner and CMO at SearchTides, offers a balanced perspective suggesting that AI should be viewed as a powerful assistant rather than a replacement for human expertise. AI can significantly boost productivity but maintaining authenticity in an AI-driven world remains crucial for creating truly valuable c...

How can writers strike a balance between the human element and AI collaboration? In this engaging episode of #shifthappens, Nick Usborne, a pioneer in digital copywriting with over four decades of industry experience, delves into effectively leveraging generative AI with prompt engineering and creating powerful content with emotional storytelling. He also shares insightful perspectives on the indu...

It’s not always about successes and failures, each step and experience are just as important in your journey to transformation. In this episode of #shifthappens, Michael Frew, a technology veteran with more than 20 years of experience in the industry, shares his insights on the pros and cons of acquiring a business and navigating the challenges that come with ownership. He also discusses the impac...