Boon or Bust

Optus's recurring outages highlight deeper cultural issues, showing that resilience is a mindset, not just a tech feature. In this episode of Boon or Bust, Matt and Peter discuss embedding resilience into company culture and the importance of observability in IT systems. They emphasize trust and accountability as keys to preventing crises, offering insights for leaders and IT professionals to build resilient organizations.

In this week's episode of Boon Or Bust, we discuss the AI-driven layoffs in the tech industry, where automation is often cited as the reason for workforce reductions. This discussion reveals the underlying factors at play, emphasising the need for genuine productivity improvements and the crucial role of human oversight in technology deployment.Welcome to Boon or Bust, a weekly podcast on the ever-changing landscape of the technological world around us, and how best to navigate it. Featuring industry insiders - Matt Boon & Peter HindInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/boonorbust/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BoonOrBustPodcast

In this episode of Boon or Bust, we explore the essential skills needed to thrive in the digital and AI age. From judgment and storytelling to conflict management and collaborative intelligence, we investigate how these competencies can transform your professional landscape.Welcome to Boon or Bust, a weekly podcast on the constantly evolving technological world around us and the best ways to navigate it. Featuring industry insiders - Matt Boon & Peter HindInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/boonorbust/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BoonOrBustPodcast

Most IT awards are superficial, rewarding momentary achievements rather than meaningful, sustained impact. This episode explores why quick wins in tech are celebrated when real success requires patience, perseverance, and teamwork. IT executives reveal how short-term accolades can mislead leaders into overvaluing quick fixes, while true transformation takes time and effort. Discover the pitfalls of superficial awards, the importance of team-led change, and how to manage stakeholder expectations effectively. This conversation is essential for CEOs, IT leaders, and change agents seeking lasting impact without falling for superficial recognition.

Unlock the secrets behind the tech industry’s modern Gilded Age and what it means for your career, your business, and your future. Are we truly living through a second Gilded Age fueled by AI, or are we just riding a dangerous hype cycle? This episode dives deep into the parallels between today’s tech giants and the industrial magnates of the past, revealing how the concentration of wealth and power could be reshaping our economy and society.

Most organisations are still struggling to truly harness AI. Blocked by skill gaps, mindset hurdles, and the fear of job displacement. But what if the real breakthrough lies in rewriting how we educate, lead, and embed AI into everyday workflows?Featuring industry insiders - Matt Boon & Peter Hind

Are AI hype cycles about to burst, or is this technology truly a game-changer for your business? If you're a leader feeling the pressure to jump on or dodge the AI bandwagon, you’ll want to hear these insights now. In this eye-opening episode of Boon or Bust, hosts Peter and Matt break down the highs and lows of the AI hype cycle, from the explosive expectations at the peak to the disillusionment of the trough, and ultimately, the promise of the plateau of productivity. Discover how market valuations mirror the industrial age boom and bust, and why incremental adoption might be your best route through the chaos.Welcome to Boon or Bust, a weekly podcast on the ever-changing landscape of the technological world around us, and how best to navigate it. Featuring industry insiders - Matt Boon & Peter HindInstagram - / boonorbust YouTube - / @boonorbustpodcast

Discover how vendor self-awareness can make or break your business relationships—and learn the secret to avoiding the most common pitfalls. Matt and Peter share sharp insights from real-world mishaps, including a viral Kia speech blunder and the art of reading the room. If you’re tired of pushy pitches and want vendors who truly understand your needs, this episode is your blueprint for smarter, more authentic partnerships. You’ll explore why great relationships are rooted in authenticity, humility, and understanding your audience—whether you're in IT, sales, or leadership. We break down the importance of reading the room and knowing when to speak or listen, avoiding the classic mistake of pitching at the wrong moment. Matt reveals how a simple shift in approach—listening instead of talking—can transform vendor conversations into genuine collaborations. Key topics covered include:The pitfalls of poorly timed pitches during high-stakes moments, like the Kia CEO’s failed sponsorship speechHow humility and authenticity build trust and long-term partnershipsWhy understanding your audience’s KPIs and challenges is game-changing for both vendors and CIOsThe power of storytelling, humour, and personalisation in creating human connectionsPractical tips for CIOs on calling out misaligned vendor behaviour and fostering true collaborationIn an era where vendors often prioritise ego over empathy, missing these cues can mean lost opportunities, wasted budgets, and strained relationships. Conversely, mastering these soft skills unlocks smarter engagements, better outcomes, and relationships built on mutual respect.

Crippling talent shortages threaten the future of cybersecurity, but there’s a smarter way forward. In this candid conversation, industry veterans Matt Boon and Peter Hind reveal why simply hiring more isn’t enough, and how organisations can unlock the full potential of their existing teams. They explore the hidden root of the talent crunch: soft skills, culture, and the urgency to reskill rather than lay off. Discover why high curiosity, trust, and a collaborative mindset are the real superpowers in cybersecurity today — and how AI, automation, and the evolving threat landscape can be turned into opportunities for growth, not disaster.Welcome to Boon or Bust, a weekly podcast on the ever-changing landscape of the technological world around us, and how best to navigate it. Featuring industry insiders - Matt Boon & Peter HindInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/boonorbust/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BoonOrBustPodcast

What if the biggest threat to your business isn’t just the hackers, but the way we think about responsibility and culture in cybersecurity? In this eye-opening episode of Boon or Bust, Matt and Peter peel back the layers on why accountability, culture, and human error are the real vulnerabilities in our digital world—and how shifting your mindset can be the key to true security.Cyber threats evolve faster than most organisations can keep up, and yet, many still operate with a blame game mindset that leaves them exposed. From the rise of sophisticated deep fake scams to organisations with zero cybersecurity training, the gap between technology and responsibility is wider than ever. Matt shares revealing insights on why organisations often fail to empower their security leaders—setting them up for failure and risking chaos. Meanwhile, Peter highlights that real cultural change starts from the top, emphasising that cybersecurity is a collective effort, not just a tech problem.Welcome to Boon or Bust, a weekly podcast on the ever-changing landscape of the technological world around us, and how best to navigate it. Featuring industry insiders - Matt Boon & Peter HindInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/boonorbust/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BoonOrBustPodcast

The conversation explores the dichotomy between AI fatigue and the potential future of artificial intelligence, focusing on a recent Reserve Bank of Australia report. It discusses the significant growth in IT investment in Australia, the challenges of translating that investment into productivity gains, and the concerns surrounding job security in the face of technological advancements. The speakers also reflect on Australia's position in the global AI landscape and the scepticism surrounding AI adoption, ultimately touching on the hype cycle of technology and its implications for the future.Chapters00:00 AI Fatigue vs. AI Future02:51 Investment in Technology and Its Impact06:04 Job Security and the Future of Work08:54 Australia's Position in the Global AI Landscape11:48 The Hype Cycle of AI and Future ExpectationsWelcome to Boon or Bust, a weekly podcast on the ever-changing landscape of the technological world around us, and how best to navigate it. Featuring industry insiders - Matt Boon & Peter HindInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/boonorbust/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BoonOrBustPodcast

The namesake of the show, Matt Boon, brings decades of experience and industry know-how to Boon or Bust.Welcome to Boon or Bust, a weekly podcast on the ever-changing landscape of the technological world around us, and how best to navigate it. Featuring industry insiders - Matt Boon & Peter HindInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/boonorbust/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BoonOrBustPodcast

Boon or Bust would be nothing without the years of experience and incredible 'hindsight' of one Peter Hind. Welcome to Boon or Bust, a weekly podcast on the ever-changing landscape of the technological world around us, and how best to navigate it. Featuring industry insiders - Matt Boon & Peter HindInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/boonorbust/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BoonOrBustPodcast

This episode explores the evolving landscape of AI and productivity, highlighting how CEOs are increasingly concerned about AI's impact on their organisations. We discuss the importance of strategic AI deployment, governance, and how organisations can prepare for AI-driven disruption.Chapters:00:00 The Productivity Imperative03:04 AI: The New CEO Concern06:00 Navigating AI Risks and Governance08:57 Aligning Organisational Strategies for AIWelcome to Boon or Bust, a weekly podcast on the ever-changing landscape of the technological world around us, and how best to navigate it. Featuring industry insiders - Matt Boon & Peter HindInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/boonorbust/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BoonOrBustPodcast

Does the world really need another tech-focused podcast? When you can't go 5 minutes without hearing about AI or cybersecurity, or a billion-dollar deal. But Boon or Bust offers you something different - Insider expertise and decades of experience!Welcome to Boon or Bust, a weekly podcast on the ever-changing landscape of the technological world around us, and how best to navigate it. Featuring industry insiders - Matt Boon & Peter HindInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/boonorbust/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BoonOrBustPodcast