Episodi

  • From Help Desk to IT Leadership: Andrew Johnson's Journey
    Nov 10 2025

    Andrew Johnson shares his journey in the IT field, starting from his early days in education to his current role in systems management. He emphasizes the importance of community, continuous learning, and the evolution of technology, particularly in relation to AI and automation. Andrew also discusses his experiences with user groups and conferences, and offers advice for aspiring IT professionals.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Andrew Johnson's Journey
    05:44 Career Development in IT and Education
    11:54 The Importance of Community and Resources
    17:54 Engagement in Online Learning and User Groups
    23:45 Public Speaking and Sharing Knowledge
    29:22 The Future of Technology: AI and Its Impact
    37:34 Advice for the Next Generation of IT Professionals

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    45 min
  • From Paramedic to Redmond, Sean Bulger’s tech journey (Replay)
    Oct 20 2025

    In this conversation, Sean Bulger shares his journey through the IT landscape, discussing his experiences as a consultant, the importance of a growth mindset, and the value of mentorship. He reflects on his diverse career path, that included jobs as a plumber and paramedic, and emphasizes the significance of community engagement and continuous learning in the tech industry. Sean also offers insights into the evolving nature of endpoint management and the impact of AI on the workforce, encouraging listeners to embrace curiosity and personal development.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Conference Reflections
    01:08 Consulting Insights and IT Career Growth
    10:17 Shifting Mindsets: From IT to Business Strategy
    14:52 Early Career and Personal Challenges
    24:04 Diverse Experiences: Plumbing and Paramedic Work
    30:33 Endpoint Management and the Evolution of IT
    36:16 Pursuing Growth and New Opportunities
    38:43 Building Connections and Community Engagement
    42:37 The Journey to Becoming an MVP
    45:30 Reflections on Impact and Recognition
    51:15 The Importance of Perspective and Growth
    55:52 Encouraging a Positive Mindset in IT
    01:00:08 Advice for Future Generations in IT

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    1 ora e 12 min
  • Code, Cloud & Confidence with Hailey Phillips (Replay)
    Oct 13 2025

    In this episode, Hailey Phillips shares her journey from an HR internship to becoming a prominent figure in the IT industry. She discusses her passion for technology, the importance of automation and cloud computing, and the role of soft skills in tech. Hailey also reflects on her experiences in the gaming industry, her travels to Japan, and the significance of continuous learning and personal development. She emphasizes the need for aspiring IT professionals to embrace tools like PowerShell and the value of therapy in enhancing communication skills.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Hailey Phillips and Her Journey
    03:14 From HR to IT: The Unexpected Path
    06:01 Early Career Experiences and Learning
    09:19 The Importance of Asking Questions
    12:00 Transitioning to AWS and Cloud Technologies
    15:08 Navigating Config Manager and Intune
    18:04 Exploring Opportunities in Law and Technology
    21:17 Experiences in Japan and Cultural Insights
    24:10 The Future of IT: Embracing Change and Automation
    30:50 Navigating Cloud and On-Premises Challenges
    32:10 Transitioning to a Gaming Company: Lessons Learned
    34:48 Managing Infrastructure: The Role of Automation
    39:38 The Balance of Work and Automation
    40:59 Finding Balance: Sports and IT
    45:04 The Importance of Strength and Representation
    46:57 Skiing and Outdoor Adventures
    50:16 Seattle's Attractions: Overrated or Underrated?
    54:21 The Future of Technology: AI and Infrastructure as Code
    01:02:24 Advice for Aspiring IT Professionals

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    1 ora e 7 min
  • Bryan Dam – Onesies, Sysadmin Life & Sneakernet Solutions (Replay)
    Oct 6 2025

    In this conversation, Bryan discusses his early experiences in IT management, particularly focusing on the unconventional methods he employed, such as the 'sneaker net' approach, to manage devices and install software. He reflects on the challenges and best practices he learned along the way.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Background
    03:47 Career Transition from Software Engineering to System Administration
    06:28 Early Experiences in System Administration
    09:38 Learning and Adapting in a Small Organization
    12:45 Challenges and Innovations in Endpoint Management
    15:41 Scaling Up: Transition to a Larger Organization
    18:54 Implementing Configuration Manager
    21:46 Community Engagement and Learning
    23:33 Reflections on Career Growth and Future Directions
    33:55 Navigating the IT Landscape
    39:10 Finding Your Tribe in IT
    43:35 The Journey to Becoming a Speaker
    48:33 Lessons from the Virtual Stage
    53:26 The Microsoft MVP Experience
    57:01 The Importance of User Groups
    01:00:33 Memorable Moments in IT
    01:05:59 Life Beyond the Keyboard

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    1 ora e 11 min
  • Matt Zaske’s Mustache Origin + Task Sequences in 2025 (Replay)
    Sep 29 2025

    Matt Zaske, a seasoned sysadmin in higher ed, dives into device management, Windows 11 migration, and how his theater background shapes his IT communication. He shares his path into tech speaking, explores home automation, and showcases his passion for 3D printing and custom conference collectibles. We also learn the fun origin story of his iconic mustache and his Sunday taco salad tradition—all highlighting his creativity and community spirit.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Matt Zaske
    03:02 The Role of a SysAdmin in Higher Education
    06:01 Device Management and Task Sequences
    09:11 Wipe and Reload Process Explained
    11:47 Windows 10 to Windows 11 Transition
    16:55 Theater Background and Its Impact on IT
    23:06 Technical Speaking Journey
    36:00 Innovative Solutions in IT Management
    43:04 Community Collaboration and Support
    45:12 The Evolution of Matt's Mustache
    50:57 Taco Salad Tradition and Routine
    54:04 Home Automation: A Journey into Smart Living
    01:02:10 Exploring Voice Integration in Home Automation
    01:08:54 3D Printing and Conference Collectibles

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    1 ora e 14 min
  • Helpdesk Scars & PowerShell Wins with Andrew Taylor
    Sep 15 2025

    Andrew Taylor shares his journey from studying business to becoming a seasoned IT professional with over 20 years of experience. He discusses his early days in help desk support, his transition to end user computing, and the challenges he faced in various IT roles, including managing multiple tenants in the MSP world. Andrew emphasizes the importance of community networking, learning through experience, and the critical role of PowerShell in modern IT management. He also reflects on his experiences writing the Intune Cookbook, freelancing, and the future of technology, including AI and cloud computing.

    00:00 From Business to IT: Andrew's Journey
    05:43 The Evolution of Desktop Support
    11:24 The Challenges of Upgrading Systems
    17:05 Crisis Management: Real-World Scenarios
    22:31 Future of IT: Moving Towards Cloud Solutions
    29:11 The Journey of Speaking at Conferences
    34:35 Building the EUC Toolbox
    40:36 The Challenges of Writing a Book
    47:41 The Evolution of Thin Clients
    52:45 Advice for the Next Generation of IT Professionals

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    56 min
  • Writing, Teaching, and Defending: Ru Campbell’s IT Adventures
    Sep 8 2025

    Ru Campbell shares his journey from starting in IT in 2012 to becoming a Microsoft 365 consultant and security expert. He discusses the importance of help desk experience, betting on oneself in career progression, and the transition to specializing in Microsoft Defender. Ru emphasizes the value of understanding security practices, the challenges of writing a technical book, and the benefits of networking and community engagement. He also touches on future technology trends, particularly AI, and offers advice for the next generation of IT professionals while sharing insights into his personal life and hobbies.

    Chapters
    00:00 The Beard and Its Significance
    02:41 Career Beginnings in IT
    05:18 Lessons from Help Desk Experience
    07:26 Betting on Yourself in Your Career
    08:51 Transitioning to Microsoft 365 Consulting
    10:46 Diving into Security with Microsoft Defender
    15:00 The Importance of Understanding Security Practices
    18:25 Empathy in IT Consulting
    20:48 Writing a Book on Microsoft Defender
    28:51 Creating Opportunities through LinkedIn Learning
    32:07 Building a Personal Brand in Cybersecurity
    33:37 The Role of Content Creation in Cybersecurity
    38:37 Community Engagement and User Groups
    42:47 Speaking Engagements and Networking
    45:32 The Future of Technology: AI and Beyond
    51:28 Advice for the Next Generation of IT Professionals
    52:51 Personal Life and Hobbies of Ru Campbell

    Check out his book Mastering Microsoft 365 Defender

    Need a cybersecurity podcast listen to Threatcast

    Check out his FREE linkedin learning course on Microsoft Defender Vulnerbility Management

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    58 min
  • From Packaging Apps to Podcasting with Rory Monaghan
    Sep 1 2025

    Rory Monaghan shares his extensive journey in the IT field, starting from his early days in application packaging to his current role in end user computing. He discusses the evolution of application virtualization, particularly App-V, and its impact on organizations. Rory emphasizes the importance of community through user groups and the value of podcasting as a medium for sharing knowledge. He also addresses the challenges in cybersecurity and the changing landscape of IT content creation, offering advice for future IT professionals to focus on AI, security, and employee experience.

    Chapters
    00:00 Rory Monaghan's Journey in IT
    06:11 The Evolution of Application Virtualization
    11:52 User Groups and Community Engagement
    17:38 The Podcasting Experience and Insights
    24:30 Current Trends in Enterprise IT
    29:00 Cybersecurity Challenges and Ethical Dilemmas
    38:40 The Importance of Networking and In-Person Events
    43:29 Advice for the Next Generation of IT Professionals
    49:22 Personal Interests Beyond Technology

    Check out Rory's podcast: 5 Bytes Podcast
    https://www.rorymon.com/blog/5-bytes-podcast-episode-guide/

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    53 min