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
Where to listen?
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Episodes
The Future of Government Services: Enhancing Public Engagement through Natural Language Search Tools 01.12.2023 28:28
In a live stream by Avèro Advisors, the founder and CEO discussed the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration into the public sector. He highlighted AI's potential in improving paper-heavy and process-intensive processes. He also mentioned the use of AI in generating documentation, reading documentation, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The CEO emphasized that...
Stratosphere Debate with AV & Eric Kimberling 24.11.2023 42:58
In a debate-style discussion, Kyler, AV, and Eric discuss various aspects of digital transformation, including technology-agnostic and independent advisory services, the importance of vendor coordination and project management, and the potential for significant synergies in working together. They also discuss the pros and cons of different approaches to digital transformation, such as core ERP ver...
Modernizing a City: Strategizing the Initial Steps Towards a Comprehensive IT Update 17.11.2023 32:03
In a live-stream discussion, Megan and Abhijit Verekar (AV) discussed the importance of modernizing cities and the initial steps to take. They emphasized the need for automation and efficiency in city operations and the importance of envisioning a future where every citizen thrives, and the environment is cherished. They also highlighted the importance of setting a clear vision for modernization a...
Breaking Point: The Escalating Threat of Ransomware and Data Breaches 10.11.2023 44:17
In a live stream discussion, experts Robert Kornovich and AV discussed the escalating threat of ransomware and data breaches. They emphasized the importance of proactive planning and regular training for staff to recognize and respond to potential threats. They also highlighted the need for organizations to prioritize their most critical services and ensure they have the necessary resources to re...
Creating a Workplace Culture that Embraces Accountability and Leadership 04.11.2023 39:19
Creating a Workplace Culture that Embraces Accountability and Leadership with Megan Seaton & Katie Connatser. In this conversation, Megan Seaton and Katie Connatser discuss the importance of fostering a culture of leadership and accountability in the workplace. They emphasize the need for clear communication, setting realistic expectations, and providing constructive feedback. They also highli...
Potion Mixing Perils: The Dark Arts of Customization with Paul Oberdorfer 27.10.2023 42:22
Enter the enigmatic world of potion-making with your host, AV, and special guest Paul Oberdorfer in this compelling pre-recorded podcast episode. In an era where customization is at the forefront of consumer desire, the prospect of creating individualized solutions is enticing and laden with pitfalls. Paul Oberdorfer, a recognized expert in this field, untangles the complicated relationships betwe...
Tales from the Crypt: ERP Zombies - Stories of Half-Dead ERP Implementations 20.10.2023 39:48
You didn't dare miss our haunting live broadcast on October 18th at 10 AM emanating from the shadowy corners of social media networks like LinkedIn and YouTube. AV and Tyler unearthed the darker, more sinister aspects of ERP systems in that chilling session. They navigated you through the pitfalls that have ensnared many, leading to projects that stalled and became eerie tales of failure or d...
Ghost of Resistance: Change Management Phantoms 13.10.2023 49:56
Welcome to a special episode of "Untangled," where we bring you an impactful discussion originally aired as a live broadcast on October 11th. This week's focus is "Ghost of Resistance: Change Management Phantoms." We are honored to feature Eric Kimberling from Third Stage Consulting and experienced experts AV and Megan. In this enlightening episode, we expose the often-ove...
Leading Major City Modernization Efforts In The Midst Of A Pandemic With John Juech 08.03.2023 32:31
Ensuring a major US city’s survival during COVID-19 is challenging enough, let alone leading it towards commendable modernization efforts aimed at making its residents’ lives better. Cincinnati may be in the Rust Belt, but its city management team is far from rusty. Manned by a talented workforce and forceful leadership, the city has managed to perform beautifully in technological solutions, inclu...
Design Thinking and Business Process Redesign in Enterprise IT 24.02.2023 42:52
Everything we do in government is all about achieving quality service delivery. A lot of that can be achieved through process innovation, but it can often be a challenge when you’ve got a team of people who were never empowered to think outside of the transactional box. Mark Wheeler sees this as one of the biggest responsibilities he is called upon to shoulder as Philadelphia’s CIO. Possessing yea...
How To Become COVID-Resilient Through Shovel-Ready Projects 10.02.2023 40:09
During the pandemic, necessity has driven a lot of change in many organizations worldwide. Many government organizations were agile enough to gather resources like CARES funding quickly to complete shovel-ready projects. However, others did not take advantage of this funding. During this podcast, Abhijit Verekar and Mike Caffrey discuss the basics of creating a COVID-resilient government organizat...
Internet Access & Affordability - Part 2 With Mike Caffrey 03.02.2023 30:57
Even as advanced as the world has gotten in terms of technology, many people still do not have access to internet. Sometimes, it is just not available in the area; other times, it is not affordable. In this episode, Abhijit Verekar sits down with Mike Caffrey to continue their conversation around this topic. Mike discusses the results from his CBRS – Proof of Concept, sharing with us its success a...
Public Housing Authorities, Systems, And Challenges That Get In The Way Of Efficient Operations With Robert Kornovich 27.01.2023 40:08
Many housing authorities suffer from the lack of IT support, even the big ones. In this day and age, having the team and systems behind you could take you a long way. Host Abhijit Verekar invited for today’s show the Senior Manager at Avero, Robert Kornovich, who has been very involved in the Public Housing Authority Practice. Here, he talks about the challenges that often get in the way of effici...
IT Modernization: Proven Roadmaps And Pitfalls To Avoid With Mike Caffrey 21.01.2023 39:42
Am I spending too much? Are we behind the times and too slow? These are often questions that Avero hears from its clients regarding Information Technology within their organizations. Today, IT modernization means so many things to many different people. In this conversation, Mike Caffrey and Abhijit Verekar share their thoughts on proven roadmaps, pitfalls to look for and spend traps to avoid when...
Internet Access And Affordability - Part 1 13.01.2023 34:41
Access to affordable, high speed or ANY Internet is increasingly seen as a utility across the world. Most especially at a time where we’re all forced into our homes, bringing with us our work and even school, having the right internet access is a must. In this episode, Abhijit Verekar explores with Mike Caffrey, the Vice President and Partner at Avero Infrastructure and Avero Advisors, wi-fi zones...
Harnessing Government Technology To Make a Big Impact With Abhi Nemani 15.12.2022 52:57
What many people don’t realize is that local governments are big enterprises that require good communication and coordination systems to work efficiently. A lot of the problems that cities face right now can be solved with the proper use of government technology and with the help of someone who has both the technical expertise and bureaucratic clout to make things happen. With his stellar perform...
Strategic Innovation In City Management: Pearland TX With Clay Pearson 07.12.2022 30:32
The past two decades have been an era of hyper-growth for the City of Pearland, TX. For city manager, Clay Pearson, it’s just the right environment for his strategic and innovative mind to work. Having held the reins as Chief Executive Officer since 2014, he sees the need for the city government to be strategic and flexible in adopting information technology systems that allow it to keep up with t...
Digital Innovation For Better Utilities With Gabe Bolas 01.12.2022 21:29
Though they may not be as quick to pivot as other industries, the utilities are doing their best to keep up with the digital revolution. In the spirit of delivering more efficient, responsive and reliable service, utility boards around the country are adopting digital innovations in their systems and physical technologies. Such is the case of Knoxville Utilities Board, whose President and CEO, Gab...
Leveraging Innovative Technologies In The Public Housing Sector With Ben Bentley 25.11.2022 20:16
The public housing sector is not just about providing livable spaces, but also ensuring a better quality of life for everybody. How are cities responding to this need with the help of information technology? Joining Abhijit Verekar to present the case of Knoxville, Tennessee, is Ben Bentley, the CEO and Executive Director of Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC). Far from just being...
Creating An Innovative City With The Business Community With Patricia Robled 17.11.2022 18:39
Businesses are partners of governments when it comes to creating an innovative city. Sharing the growth of the entrepreneurial community in their city through technology, Abhijit Verekar sits down with Patricia Robledo, the business liaison for the city of Knoxville, Tennessee. Patricia takes us into how the city has changed operations to become more tech-friendly and how they are working with ent...
Making Innovation As The Focal Point In Knoxville, Tennessee With Tom Ballard 10.11.2022 25:05
It is in the best interest of the government and innovators to join hands and move together into the future so they can better the lives of people. This episode’s guest, Tom Ballard, the Chief Alliance Officer of PYA, P.C., has successfully done that. He sits down with host, Abhijit Verekar, to take us into how Knoxville, Tennessee, has made innovation its focal point and how he is leading in putt...
Keeping Electronic Payments Secure With Jaydeep Palka 03.11.2022 40:33
One of the biggest points that organizations should consider is how to give customers the confidence that they can transact with them in whichever way they want without compromising the security of their data or account information. To do that, they need to have the infrastructure or the functionality in their IT environment. Joining Abhijit Verekar and co-host Mike Caffrey on today’s podcast is J...
Intelligent Pavement Management with James Golden, CEO, PMG 28.10.2022 38:37
When we have somewhere we want to go, we often just think about where we are and where we want to go. We often overlook the roads that take us there and the work that is put into roadway management. Joining Abhijit Verekar on today’s podcast is James Golden, the Founder and CEO of Pavement Management Group. James talks about roadway management and how it can be upgraded and improved. His company f...
Leveraging IoT Technologies In The Public Sector With Nicole Raimundo 21.10.2022 35:34
Innovation is everywhere. However, it’s a word that’s often used in the wrong connotations. For Nicole Raimundo, the Chief Information Officer at the town of Cary, North Carolina, innovation is all about automating processes and delivering services better. On today’s podcast, Nicole joins Abhijit Verekar to share how she found herself being the CIO of the town of Cary. She also shares how they’re...
Navigating The Journey To City Management Through Civic Technology And Problem Solving With Noel Bernal 07.10.2022 44:50
In this episode we will follow the journey of Noel Bernal into becoming the City Manager of Brownsville, Texas. Noel was really working and focusing on helping people to make an impact and serve which is why he decided to become an attorney. As one of the requirements of his political science, he came across public administration. The course really stood out with him so he decided to change to thi...
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