Abhijit Verekar
Start At Zero
Start at Zero is a conversation-first podcast about what it actually takes to modernize technology, build a business from scratch, and make sense of AI without the hype. Episodes range from focused 15-minute interviews with government leaders and tech founders to longer deep dives where I walk through what I'm building in real time - the AI agents, the automation stack, the hard lessons from 20 years of consulting. The tone is direct and honest. I don't do scripted questions or softball setups. I want the story behind the story - what went wrong, what you'd do differently, what nobody in the r...
Author
Abhijit Verekar
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Mar 26, 2026
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Episodes
ERP Contracts Uncovered: Avoiding the Fine Print Traps 11.09.2025 27:54
Once you sign an ERP contract, your leverage is gone. So why are so many public-sector agencies still rushing that moment? In this episode of Untangled , Megan sits down with Avero Project Manager Billie to unpack the realities of ERP contract negotiation. They share insights from the field—including current client stories—and reveal the most overlooked (and costly) missteps. You’ll learn: Why “go...
Modern Finance in Government: AI, Strategy & the Future CFO 04.09.2025 46:16
From ARPA funds to AI, the role of government finance leaders is shifting—and fast. In this episode of Untangled , the Avero team breaks down the trends shaping the future of public-sector finance, strategy, and modernization. Fresh off the GFOA conference, they dive into what’s real, what’s just buzz, and how CFOs and finance professionals can stay ahead. You’ll learn: Why AI interest is rising—b...
Procurement Politics: How to Keep Vendor Selection Fair & Focused 28.08.2025 42:38
Procurement isn’t just paperwork—it’s politics. And if you don’t manage it strategically, your entire ERP project could be compromised. In this episode of Untangled , the Avero team digs into the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shape fair vendor selection—and what public agencies can do to stay above reproach. You’ll learn: How to avoid RFP language that favors one vendor Why Phase 0 discovery bui...
Define Success Before You Fund It: Project Scope Done Right 21.08.2025 38:10
In this episode of Untangled , Megan and Robert Karnovitch walk through one of the biggest blind spots in ERP and modernization projects: vague or one-sided scopes that lead to underbudgeting, delays, and rework. You’ll learn: Why single-author scopes create alignment problems How executive turnover can pause projects midstream What to ask before inserting a number in your capital budget Why inter...
EAM in Focus: Strategic Asset Management for Modern Government 14.08.2025 40:28
What does it take to modernize how governments manage roads, bridges, buildings—and everything in between? In this episode of Untangled , Avero Advisors CEO Abhijit Verekar sits down with Associate Consultant Caleb Cruz to break down the complexities, opportunities, and overlooked challenges in modern Enterprise Asset Management (EAM). Tune in for an insider look at: Why EAM is more than just work...
AI & GovTech: The Race to Do It Right 07.08.2025 28:47
In this episode of Untangled , AV sits down with Vidhu Shekhar, AI thought leader and Microsoft executive, to explore what it really means to lead in the age of artificial intelligence—from space-based data centers to responsible AI adoption in local government. They unpack the realities behind the "AI race": rapid innovation, vendor hype, overwhelmed agencies, and the hidden costs of ch...
AI’s Tipping Point: July’s Seismic Shifts in GovTech 31.07.2025 42:02
In this solo episode, AV breaks down what made July 2025 a defining moment in AI and government technology. From the release of Grok-4 and the anticipated rollout of GPT-5 to massive infrastructure investments and evolving federal AI policy—this update is packed with insight. We also explore local government use cases, smart city wins, and why the public sector must start with strategy before chas...
Timelines, Trust & Transformation: What It Really Takes to Modernize Public Sector Tech 24.07.2025 29:21
ERP projects don’t fail because of software—they fail because of unrealistic timelines, poor planning, and missing advocacy. In this episode of Untangled , Avero’s Abhijit Verekar and Robert Kornovich unpack the real drivers behind successful (and unsuccessful) digital transformation efforts in the public sector. From misunderstood sunset dates to go-live myths, this conversation goes deep on: Wha...
Modernizing Government Finance: Insights from GFOA 2025 17.07.2025 46:16
What’s really driving the future of government finance? In this episode of Untangled , Avero’s Megan Seaton, Abhijit Verekar, and David Buchan share raw, real-time insights from the 2025 GFOA Annual Conference. From AI tools that promise the moon to procurement teams overwhelmed by legacy processes, this episode unpacks what public finance leaders are thinking—and what’s actually working. We cover...
GFOA 2025: What Public Finance Leaders Are Really Talking About 10.07.2025 30:37
Live from the GFOA 2025 conference, Avero Advisors recaps the real-world challenges, surprising confessions, and hard-earned lessons shared by finance leaders from across the country. In this special episode, AV and team break down the biggest themes heard on the floor: from outdated RFPs and missed reporting requirements to contract missteps and go-live confusion. You’ll hear: What’s going wrong...
Public Good, Private Code: AI Ethics in Local Government 03.07.2025 55:16
AI in government isn’t just about automation—it’s about ethics, accountability, and public trust. In this episode of Untangled , we sit down with Tom Gilbert, CEO of Hortise. AI and one of the world’s first PhDs in AI Ethics, to explore the very real consequences of putting artificial intelligence to work in the public sector. From invisible bias in automated tools to the danger of vendor lock-in,...
Beyond the Bid: What the UK’s £144M ERP Deal Teaches Us About Transformation 26.06.2025 22:04
When the UK government awarded a £144 million contract to Workday and Cognizant, it wasn’t just about technology—it was a masterclass in scale, procurement efficiency, and what it takes to modernize across multiple agencies. In this episode of Untangled , Avero Advisors CEO Abhijit Verekar (AV) breaks down one of the largest ERP initiatives in UK public sector history—what it means for global GovT...
Flight Plan for ERP: Lessons in Leadership, Checklists, and Control 19.06.2025 48:04
What do ERP transformations and flying a plane have in common? More than you'd think. In this unique episode of Untangled , Avero CEO Abhijit Verekar (AV) is joined by Associate Consultant and pilot-in-training Isaac to explore the surprising parallels between aviation and public sector ERP implementation. From pre-flight prep to landing protocols, AV and Isaac walk through the critical phase...
GovTech Unfiltered: Live Q&A with Abhijit Verekar 12.06.2025 48:56
In this candid live session, Avero Advisors CEO Abhijit Verekar pulls back the curtain on the realities of public sector transformation. From vaporware promises in ERP demos to project red flags leadership often misses, this Q&A tackles the real questions local government leaders are asking—but don’t always get straight answers to. AV breaks down vendor myths, how to push back without burning...
Retaining Trust & Fueling Growth – The New Era of Government Client Success 29.05.2025 26:42
What does real partnership look like in government modernization? In this episode of Untangled , Avero’s VP of Client Success, Robert Kornovich, joins Megan Seaton to unpack what it takes to build lasting, trust-based relationships between public agencies and their vendors. From defining success beyond buzzwords like “ERP,” to navigating the politics behind transformation, Robert shares stories fr...
The Future of AI for Constituent Services & CRM for Government 22.05.2025 24:31
AI is a powerful tool in CRM, but how does it actually contribute to revenue growth? In this live session, Parth Shah, CEO of Polimorphic, will discuss how AI can convert customer data into tangible, measurable revenue. We’ll explore how AI enhances customer insights and streamlines sales processes, focusing on the practical ways it drives growth and impacts your bottom line. If you're lookin...
How We've Helped Our Clients Overcome the Biggest Challenges in Public Sector Transformations 01.05.2025 56:17
In this episode, we explore how public sector organizations have navigated the toughest challenges during their ERP transformations. From managing outdated systems and data conversion to overcoming internal resistance and change fatigue, we dive into the practical strategies that have helped our clients succeed. With a focus on the essential steps—from planning and executive alignment to addressin...
Beyond the Comfort Zone: Leading Through Growth and Change 24.04.2025 58:21
What does it really take to lead during periods of rapid growth and transformation? This episode explores how leadership evolves when an organization scales, why vulnerability is a strength—not a weakness—and how to create clarity amid chaos. You'll hear about the power of peer support, the importance of shared values, and why structure and intuition aren’t opposites—they're both essenti...
Jan Baan on Microservices, AI, and the Future of Enterprise Software 17.04.2025 1:06:06
In this episode of Untangled , Jan Baan — the legendary founder of Baan Company and pioneer in enterprise software — unpacks the deep flaws of today’s ERP systems. From the rise of microservices to the misuse of RFPs and the myth of SaaS perfection, Jan calls for a smarter, more flexible future for public sector technology. He dives into how governments can modernize without vendor lock-in, how A...
Monolithic ERP vs. Best-of-Breed: How to Choose What Work 10.04.2025 54:14
In this week’s episode of Untangled , we break down the practical differences between monolithic ERP systems and best-of-breed solutions. It’s not about buzzwords—it’s about what actually works for your team, your budget, and your long-term goals. Tune in for grounded advice to help you make the right call. 📅 Let’s Stay Connected: Hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episode. We also go li...
Beyond The Status Quo: How OpenGov Is Raising The Bar For Public Sector Innovation 03.04.2025 42:17
In this episode we sit down with Eric DiProspero, Chief Revenue Officer at OpenGov, for an honest conversation about how cloud-first software is transforming local government. From busting myths about budgeting tools to diving deep into AI, ERP strategy, and integration challenges, we unpack what it really takes to modernize city services. 📅 Let’s Stay Connected: Hit subscribe so you don’t miss...
Turning Transactions Into Trust: Building Better Vendor Relationships 27.03.2025 27:35
This week’s episode explores how government agencies can shift from transactional vendor relationships to true partnerships rooted in trust, transparency, and shared goals. From the misuse of terms like “ERP” to the challenges of aligning internal agendas with public-facing outcomes, the conversation breaks down what success looks like—and how to get there. Expect honest insights, real-world examp...
Nevada's ERP Milestone: Modernizing Government One ERP at a Time 20.03.2025 22:36
Big projects big promises and even bigger challenges. Nevada’s ERP modernization is making headlines but what does it really take to overhaul government systems? In this episode we break down the Core. NV project explore what went wrong with past attempts like Smart 21 and dig into the future of cloud-based solutions AI and digital transformation in public sector operations. If you’ve ever wondere...
Modernizing Government: Public Sector Digital Transformation & IT Modernization Summit 13.03.2025 3:30:08
Public sector digital transformation is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. In this episode, we dive into the shifting landscape of government technology, exploring trends like AI, process automation, and the ongoing debate between best-of-breed solutions vs. all-in-one ERP systems. Featuring insights from industry experts, we break down how agencies can navigate procurement challenges, improve e...
Connecting EAM and ERP for Smarter Operations 06.03.2025 30:56
Enterprise Asset Management is a critical piece of running efficient operations, but without the right connection to your ERP system, it can create gaps in financial tracking, resource planning, and decision-making. In this episode, we explore why integrating asset management with financials, inventory, and workforce systems is essential for long-term success. We also discuss how AI and IoT are sh...
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