Business Technology Perspectives

How do you transform an industry that most people still assume runs on clipboards, manual checks, and fragmented updates? And what happens when reality capture and AI finally combine to give construction teams a clear and measurable picture of progress on every site? In this episode of Business Tech Perspectives, I sit down with Chaitanya NK, the co-founder and CEO of Track3D, to explore how reality intelligence is reshaping the way major projects are built and managed.NK shares how three founders with no construction background stepped into one of the most complex environments in the world and uncovered a problem that had been hiding in plain sight. Field data was inconsistent, incomplete, and nearly impossible to verify at scale. The result was delays, rework, and avoidable cost overruns. Track3D tackles this head-on by unifying drones, 360 cameras, scanners, mobile devices, and even robots into one clear view of what has been installed, when it happened, and whether it meets the plan. Through practical examples, NK explains how automated measurement brings immediate clarity, how deviations are caught early before they snowball, and how objective data changes coordination across trades, schedules, and budgets.This is a conversation for anyone interested in the real business value of AI in physical environments. NK talks openly about trust, data governance, security, and the balance between automated insight and human judgment. He also shares his vision for 2026, where AI agents act as partners to schedulers, coordinators, and field teams. If you want to understand how technology is reshaping one of the world’s largest and most demanding industries, you will find real insight here.Listeners who want to learn more about Track3D or connect with the team can visit track3d.ai or reach out on LinkedIn at Track3D. Where would you like to explore this conversation further in your own work?The Tech Talks Network is Sponsored by NordLayer:Get the exclusive Black Friday offer: 28% off NordLayer yearly plans with the coupon code: techdaily-28. Valid until December 10th, 2025. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee.

What does it take to lead one of the fastest growing regions in enterprise security while spending your year hopping between Sydney, Tokyo, Singapore, and London? At IGEL’s Now & Next event in Frankfurt, I caught up with Darren Fields, Senior Vice President for UK and Asia Pacific, to find out.From rebuilding the partner ecosystem across continents to forging new alliances with industry giants like Lenovo, Palo Alto Networks, and CrowdStrike, Darren has been at the center of IGEL’s global expansion. He shared how regional differences shape technology adoption, why prevention first security is resonating with customers everywhere, and how business continuity has shifted from being a safety net to a core design principle for modern IT.In our conversation, Darren explained how the endpoint has become the new control point for everything from zero trust to AI driven automation, and why so many organizations are rethinking old assumptions about bring your own strategies. He also opened up about the mindset shift he’s witnessing among IT leaders, one that moves from reacting to threats toward proactively preventing them.We also discussed how cultural differences influence the pace of digital transformation, with regions like Japan preferring careful evaluation, while Australia and New Zealand have embraced rapid innovation. Darren’s global perspective highlighted how security maturity looks different around the world, yet the ultimate goal remains the same: empowering organizations to build trust, resilience, and operational continuity.As we approach another year defined by AI, cybersecurity, and digital resilience, Darren’s reflections offer a rare window into how global teams are turning complexity into simplicity and scaling trust in every region. What does a truly prevention first future look like, and how can enterprises across the world prepare for it?Useful LinksConnect with Darren Fields, on LinkedInLearn more about IGELFollow on LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTubeTech Talks Network is Sponsored by NordLayer:Get the exclusive Black Friday offer: 28% off NordLayer yearly plans with the coupon code: techdaily-28. Valid until December 10th, 2025. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Sales enablement has come a long way from slide decks and one-size-fits-all training. In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, I’m joined by Bill Dwoinen, Chief Revenue Officer at Mural, to explore how AI and visual collaboration are changing the way teams sell, learn, and align around outcomes.Bill brings a wealth of experience from Salesforce and LinkedIn, but what makes this conversation special is how openly he shares the lessons Mural has learned from its own transformation. Once known purely as a visual collaboration tool, Mural is now evolving into a platform that helps organizations accelerate deal velocity, strengthen customer retention, and align teams through what he calls “collaborative selling.” For Bill, the goal is simple: help people spend less time managing tools and more time solving real customer problems.He talks about the growing disconnect between sales strategy and enablement, explaining that many teams today have lost touch with foundational skills such as discovery and negotiation. The solution, he says, lies in a three-part framework of training, enablement, and execution, each powered by technology and reinforced through timing and alignment with the business strategy. This isn’t about piling on new software but understanding what problem each tool actually solves and how it supports human performance.We also explore how AI is reshaping the sales process in ways that are both practical and profound. From generating account insights in minutes to surfacing hidden “Trojan horse” contacts, AI is helping sales teams work smarter without replacing the human element. Bill shares how simple AI prompts have turned Mural’s own teams into experts on their target accounts, driving consistency, efficiency, and confidence across the field.Our discussion also touches on the cultural side of enablement, breaking down silos, moving back to more synchronous communication, and bringing inclusivity into decision-making. As Bill puts it, great enablement mirrors great product design: if you build it without the user’s feedback, it doesn’t matter how good it looks.By the end of this episode, it’s clear that Mural’s next chapter isn’t about whiteboards or sticky notes. It’s about empowering teams to think together, act faster, and use AI to bring clarity to the chaos of modern sales.Listen now to hear how Bill and his team are redefining enablement in an AI-driven world and why sometimes, the smartest sales strategy starts with asking better questions.

AI conversations often center on coders, designers, and office-based teams, but what about the people who keep goods moving, shelves stocked, patients cared for, and factories running? They make up almost 80 percent of the global workforce, yet much of the technology talk overlooks them. In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, I sit down with Tom Bianculli, Chief Technology Officer at Zebra Technologies, to explore how AI is being designed for the shop floor, the warehouse aisle, and the hospital corridor.Tom outlines Zebra’s long-standing mission to “deliver productivity at the point of activity,” and explains how AI fits into that vision. The company’s approach is not about replacing people but augmenting their capabilities, reducing repetitive tasks, and enabling faster, more accurate decision-making. We discuss Zebra Companion, the company’s AI-powered assistant for frontline teams, which features four dedicated agents for knowledge, sales, merchandising, and device support. Early pilots have shown strong adoption, with workers reporting greater empowerment and employers seeing reduced attrition.We also dive into the role of machine vision, 3D scanning, and RFID in driving efficiency across retail, logistics, and manufacturing. Tom shares examples ranging from automated shelf checks to high-speed industrial inspection, and from wearable cameras that guide item picking to omniscient store concepts that combine real-time inventory awareness with operational intelligence.The conversation goes beyond features and functions to focus on human-centered automation — the belief that AI works best when it collaborates with people, adapts to their experience level, and integrates seamlessly into their daily tools. For business leaders seeking ROI, we talk about where AI delivers measurable impact today, the infrastructure needed to support it, and the opportunities on the horizon for physical workplaces.If you’ve been wondering what AI can really do for the teams who keep everything moving, this episode offers a clear and practical perspective.*********Visit the Sponsor of Tech Talks Network:Land your first job in tech in 6 months as a Software QA Engineering Bootcamp with Careeristhttps://crst.co/OGCLA

This week, I sat down with Craig Burnham, Vice President of Product Marketing for Cisco’s Collaboration business, to go beyond the headlines and unpack what Cisco’s AI evolution actually means for business leaders.Recorded live at Cisco Live, this episode dives into how Cisco is unifying employee and customer experiences across voice, video, and virtual agents, while keeping humans in the loop where it matters most.Craig and I explore:The rise of Webex AI Agent and Webex AI Assistant, and how they’re reducing agent burnout, shortening call resolution times, and delivering truly autonomous voice and text experiencesWhy Cisco is uniquely positioned to bring cloud-based AI to on-prem environments and hybrid deployments without forcing disruptive migrationsHow Control Hub is evolving into a single pane of glass for AI visibility, governance, and ROI trackingWhat the move toward agentic AI means for IT leaders, and why the long-term impact may be greater than we expectHow Cisco’s cinematic camera tech and AI-powered meeting features are quietly redefining hybrid work, one room at a timeWe also discuss the shifting expectations around AI, from productivity hype to measurable business value, and how Cisco’s platform-first approach enables it to scale new features across contact center, meetings, calling, and more.

For more than 160 years, the Red Cross emblem has protected humanitarian organizations in times of war. But as conflict increasingly moves into cyberspace, new protections are needed for digital infrastructure.In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, I speak with Samit D'Cunha, legal advisor at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), about the groundbreaking Digital Emblem Project.Samit explains how this modern emblem uses cryptographic certificates and DNS protocols to designate digital assets as protected under international humanitarian law. We explore the rise in cyberattacks on hospitals and humanitarian networks during armed conflict, and why creating a recognized, trustworthy signal of digital neutrality is now a moral and legal imperative.We discuss:How the Digital Emblem mirrors the protections of its physical counterpartThe technical infrastructure behind the project and how it ensures global applicabilityLegal, political, and diplomatic challenges in gaining global adoptionThe need for collaboration across governments, tech companies, and humanitarian actorsWhat comes next as cyberwarfare becomes a greater threat to humanitarian operationsAs the nature of conflict evolves, so too must the symbols that protect those who help others. This conversation is essential listening for anyone working at the intersection of cybersecurity, ethics, and international law.

In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, host Neil C. Hughes speaks with Bulent Cinarkaya, General Manager of Field Service Management at ServiceNow, to explore how AI is transforming one of the most overlooked but essential areas of enterprise operations: field service.Bulent shares how technologies like agentic and generative AI are reshaping frontline work in real time, giving technicians the tools to anticipate what they’ll need before arriving on site, surface answers during complex tasks, and close out jobs faster with intelligent automation. These innovations are no longer on the horizon. They are already being used to improve scheduling accuracy, reduce mean time to resolution, and capture decades of expert knowledge before it disappears.Drawing on real examples from companies like Bell Canada, Coursera, and British Telecom, Bulent breaks down how ServiceNow is helping field teams not only boost productivity but also improve job satisfaction and customer loyalty. He also highlights how unified platforms, data-driven workflows, and strong change management are critical to scaling these gains sustainably.If your organization still sees AI as a back-office tool, this conversation is a wake-up call. AI is now embedded in the physical world of work, helping solve operational bottlenecks while empowering people to do their best work under pressure.Whether you're leading a service team or looking to bridge the gap between digital innovation and human impact, this episode offers a clear look at the future of field service.

In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, I sit down with Anoop Joshi, Chief Trust Officer at Trustpilot, to explore how the fight against fake reviews is changing in an AI-driven world.We discuss the impact of new rules like the FTC’s ban on fake reviews, which makes trust a boardroom topic rather than just a marketing concern. Anoop explains how Trustpilot combines machine learning, deep metadata checks and human moderation to protect review integrity across a community of millions.He shares how his background as an IP lawyer shapes his view of today’s intellectual property debates in AI, why pattern detection beats content checks, and how Trustpilot has won multiple legal cases against bad actors in the past two years.We also look ahead at trends that will test businesses, from deepfakes to crypto scams, and why human oversight still matters alongside smarter technology. Anoop’s insights offer a candid look at what it really takes to keep online reviews trustworthy at scale.Search Tech Talks Network for more shows that connect business strategy and digital innovation.

Mobile gaming isn’t just entertainment. It’s quickly becoming one of the most valuable and overlooked channels for digital advertisers. In this episode, Cerisse Velasco, Director of Brand Partnerships at Zynga, joins Neil to lift the lid on how the gaming giant is helping brands connect with highly engaged, predominantly female audiences through in-game experiences that balance fun, relevance, and performance.Why the stereotypical “gamer” image is outdated, and how Zynga’s audience trends toward Gen Z and millennial womenHow brands are using rewarded video, custom playable, and deep integrations to build emotional connections with playersWhat made partnerships like the Real Housewives collaboration such a perfect fit, and how authenticity drives engagementWhy mobile gaming is outperforming other digital channels in attention and conversionHow Zynga is adapting to a privacy-first future through persona-based planning and contextual targetingShe also gives us a glimpse into what’s next for mobile gaming as a marketing platform, from value exchange experiences to retail media integration and gamified brand storytelling.If your brand still views gaming as a niche space, this conversation will provide you with a completely different perspective.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Austin, Senior Vice President of Research Technologies at GSK, joins Neil to share how artificial intelligence, genetics, and vast clinical datasets are radically reshaping the pharmaceutical landscape. A neurologist by training with experience across the NIH, biotech startups, and now GSK, Chris explains how drug development is finally moving beyond trial-and-error toward predictive, precision-based approaches.He reveals how GSK is:Using AI and genomics to map disease “circuits” and prioritize drug targets with greater accuracyDesigning novel molecules like oligonucleotides to reach previously “undruggable” targetsStreamlining clinical trials through deep phenotyping and biomarker-based patient selectionLeveraging generative AI to model disease biology, simulate clinical outcomes, and accelerate antibody design by 90 percentChris also reflects on the journey from the Human Genome Project to today’s AI-powered medicine and why he believes GSK has the right mix of data generation, scientific expertise, and computing infrastructure to lead the next wave of medical breakthroughs.If you’ve ever wondered how AI is moving from hype to real-world health impact, this conversation offers a rare inside look at the front lines of biopharma innovation.Listen now to discover how technology is not just speeding up drug discovery, it’s rewriting the rules entirely.

In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, I sit down with Somit Goyal, CEO of IBS Software, to talk about something every traveler has experienced: outdated systems that make booking, checking in, or simply managing a trip more frustrating than it should be.Somit brings a wealth of experience from his time at Microsoft to now leading one of the biggest names in travel tech. He shares why real transformation in this space isn't just about upgrading software. It's about rethinking how travel businesses operate, how they engage with customers, and how they build for the future.We talk about the dangers of treating digital transformation as just another IT project and why companies stuck on legacy systems are holding themselves back. Somit explains how IBS Software is working as a true partner to airlines, hotels, and cruise lines, not just another vendor pushing tools. He also shares how listening to customers, rather than rushing into tech solutions, is one of the most underrated skills in this industry.We explore how AI and data are shaping smarter travel experiences, what it takes to overhaul loyalty programs, and why a long-term strategic mindset beats short-term patch jobs every time.So if you've ever wondered why your last flight check-in felt like it was designed in 2005 or why your hotel app crashed again, this episode offers a look behind the curtain at what's really happening in the travel tech world.I hope you'll join me for this conversation and let me know what you think. How is your organization approaching change? And what does modern travel tech mean to you?Search Tech Talks Network to discover more shows like this one, or drop me a message. I always love hearing from you.

How can global brands cut through the hype and use emerging technologies to solve real business challenges? In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, I speak with Sarah Salter, Global Head of Innovation and Platforms at Wavemaker, about how brands can unlock the true potential of innovation without losing sight of measurable outcomes.With over 15 years of experience across industries including health, retail, and finance, Sarah brings a rich and grounded perspective to digital transformation. She shares how Wavemaker helps clients move beyond trend-chasing to deliver experiences that are meaningful, accessible, and effective. From leading AI-powered personalization strategies to shaping immersive brand moments in gaming and the metaverse, her approach is practical, human, and rooted in results.We explore how Sarah and her team set clear KPIs for innovation, use tools like AR and VR to drive cultural relevance, and run rapid experimentation that bridges the gap between idea and impact. Sarah reflects on high-pressure public sector projects such as the NHS COVID-19 WhatsApp response, as well as creative campaigns for brands like L’Oréal and Dove that combine technology with purpose.The conversation also explores how emerging media environments are driving a shift from passive advertising to participatory engagement. As attention becomes the ultimate currency, Sarah explains how brand storytelling is evolving through platforms like Roblox, Apple Vision Pro, and generative AI tools. She shares why gaming is becoming a vital channel for modern marketing and how experiential design is changing the way consumers connect with brands.Sarah also discusses her commitment to diversity in tech leadership. She highlights how inclusive teams drive better innovation, the systemic changes still needed in the industry, and the importance of supporting initiatives that bring more women into tech. Whether mentoring future leaders or driving responsible AI adoption, her message is clear—technology should serve people, not the other way around.

What does it take to lead through the most human shift in technology history? In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, I’m joined by Chet Kapoor, CEO of DataStax and former Google executive, whose tech journey began two decades ago as an intern at NeXT, just steps away from Steve Jobs. From there, Chet went on to navigate four major waves in enterprise tech: client-server, web, mobile, and cloud. Now, he believes we are entering the fifth and most transformative chapter yet—the AI era.In our conversation, Chet draws a powerful distinction between digital transformation and what he calls “agentification.” This shift isn't just about making things faster. It is about creating autonomous AI agents that act with purpose, work alongside people, and drive effectiveness at scale. Chet walks us through real-world use cases, from personalized healthcare platforms to AI-powered education, that show how this technology is already reshaping the world.We also explore the importance of human leadership in this new era. Chet outlines his approach to what he calls "inspired execution," a leadership model built on belief, emotional connection, and bold experimentation. For leaders looking to integrate AI meaningfully, he shares actionable advice: start with mission-critical goals, validate outcomes quickly, and scale what works.From his recent experience at Davos to the innovation happening at DataStax, Chet offers a global perspective on where AI is headed and why businesses must act now. The conversation covers the risks of blind trust in automation, the urgency of thoughtful governance, and the need to balance technical skills with empathy and instinct.AI is no longer a theoretical trend. It is already embedded in workflows, tools, and expectations. As we discuss how to future-proof strategy, build AI-ready cultures, and define success beyond efficiency, one question becomes clear.Are you prepared to lead in the age of AI, or will you wait to catch up?

What happens when the world’s most essential industries—from public safety and utilities to agriculture and construction—encounter staffing shortages, outdated tools, and rising expectations from a new generation of workers? In this episode of Business Perspectives, we explore how Panasonic Connect is equipping mission-critical workforces with technology that doesn’t just meet the moment, but helps them lead through it.Dominick Passanante, Vice President of Mobility at Panasonic Connect North America, joins the show to reveal how rugged devices like the Toughbook and AI-powered applications are transforming operations across high-stakes environments. From streamlining reporting with speech-to-text tools to using predictive analytics for wildfire response and officer safety, Dominick shares real-world examples of how modern technology is reducing admin time and boosting effectiveness in the field.We examine how AI is helping law enforcement make smarter, faster decisions with video analysis, while utility companies are using mobile computing to detect power grid issues and manage infrastructure health. And in a workforce where expectations are rising, we discuss the role of cutting-edge technology in attracting and retaining top talent by enabling flexible, connected, and efficient ways of working.This conversation also tackles common myths about AI—such as the fear of job replacement—and explores how human oversight remains central to successful tech integration. Dominick highlights how Panasonic’s long-standing innovation culture, combined with customer-driven development and strategic partnerships, is shaping the future of work for some of the most demanding industries.If you're curious about how essential industries can modernize without compromising safety or service, this episode offers insights, strategies, and a glimpse into what’s next. Are today’s mission-critical workers equipped with the tools they need to serve their communities at full potential? Listen in and decide for yourself.

What does the future of work look like when the focus shifts from where people work to how they work? In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, Neil C. Hughes is joined by James Campanini, Head of B2B Europe at Logitech, to explore how workplace technology is evolving to empower productivity, foster inclusivity, and rethink collaboration across every environment.For over 45 years, Logitech has been connecting humans to the digital world, from the earliest mice and keyboards to today's AI-powered video conferencing solutions. James shares how the company’s philosophy has always been rooted in enabling individuals to work effectively—whether they are in the office, at home, or on the move. He explains why organizations that focus on empowering people, rather than mandating location, are seeing greater engagement, reduced burnout, and stronger productivity.The conversation also explores how AI is already deeply embedded in Logitech’s technology, from intelligent camera systems that adjust to lighting conditions to noise-canceling audio solutions that ensure remote participants are heard as clearly as those in the room. Rather than replacing human decision-making, AI is positioned as a tool for optimizing workflows and making collaboration more inclusive and seamless for everyone.James also addresses the controversial topic of workplace surveillance. Rather than policing employees, he advocates for a presence-based model that uses workplace insights to create better, more comfortable spaces where people can thrive. From real estate shifts to the redesign of office spaces, the future of work is about flexible, multi-purpose environments that promote collaboration without forcing outdated attendance models.As businesses continue to balance economic pressures with employee expectations and AI reshapes the world of work, how can organizations create environments that are both productive and people-centered? Tune in to learn how Logitech is helping businesses redefine the workplace experience for a hybrid, AI-powered future.

What does it take to build a future where devices can transact with each other, where AI systems learn directly from the physical world, and where the idea of a metaverse becomes something practical rather than abstract?In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, we explore these questions with David Palmer, Chief Product Officer at PeerPoint by Vodafone. David recently authored The Business of Metaverse, a thought-provoking book that unpacks the convergence of Web3, IoT, and AI technologies. His insights come not only from deep research but also from his hands-on work developing what could become the world’s first Web3 IoT platform.PeerPoint is positioning itself at the intersection of emerging technologies, giving digital identities to devices and enabling secure, autonomous interactions. From in-car payments to the orchestration of device-to-device data sharing, the platform opens doors for new forms of enterprise automation and business model innovation. These use cases may appear futuristic, but according to David, they are closer to mainstream adoption than many might think.We also explore how the metaverse is unfolding in phases. Rather than a sudden leap into virtual reality, David outlines a step-by-step evolution beginning with embedded digital experiences and leading to full convergence. Along the way, AI agents and generative tools are expected to play a major role in enabling interoperability, creating marketplaces, and transforming the way businesses access training data.Throughout the discussion, we examine how these technologies could remove traditional boundaries around time and place, unlocking new global opportunities. From education and real estate to finance and the creator economy, David shares how a connected world of intelligent devices may help spark innovation across sectors.If you're interested in how next-generation infrastructure is forming the foundation for digital business, this episode offers grounded insights into what comes next.

In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, I’m joined by Sandeep Bhattarai, Utilities Value Advisor at SAP UKI, to unpack the growing challenges facing the sector, and whether digital transformation can offer a sustainable way forward.Recorded remotely but rooted in shared local ties—we discovered we’re both based in the West Midlands—this discussion covers the real pressures weighing on the water industry right now. From cost increases and regulatory demands to a public that’s watching more closely than ever, the sector is under intense scrutiny.SAP’s recent research paints a stark picture: 94 percent of industry leaders believe that investment will need to increase significantly in the years ahead to meet growing demand. Sandeep shares what’s driving these pressures and highlights how gaps in digital infrastructure are making it harder to meet expectations. Together, we explore how technologies such as real-time data analytics, AI, automation, and IoT could help modernize aging water networks, enhance operational visibility, and improve regulatory compliance.With AMP 8 set to reshape the industry from 2025 to 2030, we also ask whether digital transformation is a genuine route to progress—or whether deeper structural changes must come first.Is the sector ready to embrace the investment needed to futureproof its operations? And can lessons from global utilities help drive smarter strategies in the UK?Tune in to find out—and let me know: Do you believe technology is the path forward, or just one piece of a much larger puzzle?