As teams experiment with new tools and leaders push for AI-first thinking, many organizations are discovering that AI for AI's sake is just not cutting it. In this episode of Edge of IT, Jonathan Gough sits down with Demetrios Brinkmann, founder of MLOps Community, to explore the growing tension between personal AI use and organizational AI adoption. Together, they unpack why AI ROI remains so difficult to measure, where value is actually showing up today, and why simply layering AI onto existing processes can create more friction than progress. Jonathan and Demetrios also dig into the deeper questions emerging beneath the surface: how governance must evolve alongside capability, why coding agents and support workflows are becoming early proving grounds, and what it means to build with “forward compatibility” in mind as models, costs, and infrastructure continue to shift.If you’re trying to understand not just what AI can do, but how to adopt it without losing trust, clarity, or strategic direction, this episode is for you.

First question: Are you designing an AI workload?Second question: Are you ready to respond when your team asks you to scale it? As more small AI use cases emerge, organizations are feeling pressure to scale, and big questions are being raised from technical, operational, and cost perspectives. In this episode of Edge of IT, Jonathan Gough speaks with Robbie Jerrom, Principal Technologist for AI at Red Hat, and Josh Minthorne, Director of Cloud, DevSecOps & Automation at Pellera, about what it takes to “raise” AI from an early win into a scalable, governed workload.Robbie, Josh, and Jonathan share personal stories from the trenches, navigating the inevitable challenges that come with scaling AI workloads. They unpack why demand is so hard to predict, why startup times and GPU requirements can surprise you, and how internal adoption can spike fast enough to break systems. So, if you’re wondering how to adapt, this episode outlines the next steps your team needs to take to get back on track.

Careers aren’t built on effort alone. They’re shaped by who sees your work, who speaks your name, and how you communicate when it matters most.In this episode of Edge of IT, host Jonathan Gough speaks with Leslie Belicka, North America Channel Sales Manager at HPE, and Emily Martin, Executive Vice President of Hybrid Platforms at Pellera, to uncover the unwritten rules of career success in enterprise technology. Drawing from decades of lived experience, they explore the key differences between sponsorship and mentorship, the importance of tailored communication, and why embracing the phrase “I don’t know” can be a surprising leadership superpower.While the conversation highlights challenges and triumphs of women in tech, the insights shared are universal, offering lessons for anyone looking to navigate complexity, build credibility, and advance their career in dynamic environments.

Ransomware attacks aren’t a question of “if” anymore- they’re a question of “when.”In this episode of Edge of IT, host Jonathan Gough is joined by Andrew Miller, Lead Principal Technologist at Everpure (formerly Pure Storage), and Darren Gourley, who leads Pellera’s work on data protection and recovery as Senior Director, Solution Engineering, Storage. Together, they reframe how businesses should think about ransomware, recovery, and resilience. In the past, data protection and recovery were mostly about backing up information. But today, as ransomware attacks grow more sophisticated, recovery isn’t just about restoring data, it’s about restoring business continuity, protecting trust, and minimizing operational disruption.

What does a legendary Olympic hockey team have in common with today’s IT organizations?In the Season Three premiere of Edge of IT, Jonathan Gough sits down with Mike Eruzione, captain of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, alongside Pellera CEO Greg Berard, to explore what real leadership looks like under pressure. From the rink to the office, this conversation unpacks why talent alone is never enough, and why trust, accountability, and culture are the true drivers of long-term success. Mike reflects on the mindset behind the Miracle on Ice, while Greg shares how those same principles translate into building and scaling high-performing teams. Whether you’re leading a company or a team, let this episode be your reminder that success isn’t accidental — it’s built collectively.Find the Mike Eruzione Team Shop online store HERE and use PELLERA10 for a 10% discount on merchandise.

Are you asking the right questions about IT? Struggling to answer tough questions about ROI, leadership, and cybersecurity? Welcome to Season 3 of The Edge of IT—your go-to podcast for actionable insights at the intersection of technology and strategy. This season, host and Pellera Chief Scientist Jonathan Gough dives into the critical topics shaping IT today, including AI innovation, cybersecurity challenges, and strategic leadership. With a lineup of industry leaders and frontline experts, this season is packed with real-world perspectives to help you lead, invest, and act with confidence. If you’re ready to get to the strategic core of IT that will shape how you lead, invest, and act, click follow and never miss an episode!

What happens when four tech experts sit down for an unfiltered conversation about the state of enterprise AI? You get the Pellera Roundtable, of course.To close out another exciting season of Edge of IT, host Jonathan Gough is joined by three of Pellera’s brightest minds: Dave Santeramo, Network and Security Leader; Roy Bales, Principal Technical Advisor (Southeast); and Darren Livingston, VP of Engineered Solutions. Together, they dive deep into the current state of AI maturity and adoption in enterprises, offering candid insights and actionable advice.In this episode, the team breaks down the most underestimated challenges in AI today, from behavioral friction to governance gaps. They explore why your biggest blocker to progress is probably not your model and uncover surprising areas where most organizations are overspending and how to course-correct for better ROI. If you're leading AI strategy, or trying to make sense of it all, this conversation is your reality check and your roadmap.

What if you could get whatever you needed in 30 minutes without waiting or even having to step foot outside your door? It may sound like science fiction, but Walmart is making it a reality. In this episode of Edge of IT, host Jonathan Gough sits down with Precia Carraway, Senior Manager of Autonomous Delivery at Walmart, to explore one of the boldest logistics programs in retail: drone delivery. Precia brings deep expertise and vision to how Walmart is transforming last-mile delivery and solving real-life problems for communities across the U.S. Tune in to learn what it takes to fly hundreds of thousands of deliveries and what the future holds for autonomous logistics.

AIOps isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer for modern enterprise operations. In this episode of Edge of IT, host Jonathan Gough is joined by Chris Bailey, Director of Product Management at IBM, and Manoj Khabe, VP of Observability, AIOps, and FinOps at Pellera Technologies, for a deep dive into how agentic AI is transforming enterprise operations from the ground up. Discover how AI reduces alert fatigue, increases system resilience, and empowers teams to focus on mission-critical work. From unifying data across siloed tools to automating root cause analysis and incident resolution, this conversation explores real-world examples of AIOps in action and what it means for the future of IT.

Value can be calculated in a few different ways. So when the big boss starts asking, “Where’s my return on AI?” it’s best to come prepared. In this episode, Christian Thilmany joins Jonathan Gough for a much-needed check-up on AI. As Senior Director of AI Strategy at Microsoft, Christian shares his experience: what works, what doesn’t, and why so many teams still aren’t seeing the ROI they were promised. Together, Christian and Jonathan trace the evolution of AI, unpacking the critical points that often lead to failure—from model drift to hallucinations, and even when models get a little too eager to please. Then, the conversation turns to the future: the rise of Shadow AI, the risks of “vibe coding,” and the promise of Model Context Protocol (MCP), a potential game-changer that could standardize how AI connects across systems. If all the AI hype has left you wondering what’s missing from the conversation, this episode delivers the nuanced take you’ve been waiting for.

In cybersecurity, the rules are always changing, but trust, readiness, and real-world resilience remain non-negotiable. In this episode of Edge of IT, host Jonathan Gough sits down with Sean Colicchio, Global CISO at Pellera Technologies, and Ryan Patrick, VP at HITRUST, for a candid conversation about the real state of cybersecurity and compliance in an AI-driven world. Together, they unpack how organizations can move beyond check-the-box compliance toward systems that are built on relevance, integrity, and threat-informed action. This episode explores what’s missing in today’s frameworks, where automation can go wrong, and how threat intelligence is shaping the future of trust.

Compliance in IT is evolving faster than ever. Regulations are tightening, data has become the prime target for attackers, and emerging technologies like AI and quantum are raising the stakes. In this episode of Edge of IT, Jonathan Gough sits down with Ian Wight, Sales Manager of Data Security at IBM, and Tim Tait, Senior Consultant of Data Protection at Pellera Technologies, to explore the shift from reactive checklists to proactive, continuous compliance. They share why observability and identity management are critical to keeping data secure, how to build compliance into systems from the start, and what the future of governance looks like in an AI- and quantum-driven world. Tune in to hear why, when done right, compliance isn’t a burden; it’s an accelerator that gives organizations the confidence to innovate, move faster, and stay secure.

What do professional drag racing and enterprise transformation have in common? Turns out, it’s more than you’d think.In this high-energy episode of Edge of IT, host Jonathan Gough sits down with Leah Pruett, NHRA champion and driver for Tony Stewart Racing, and David Luftig, Executive Vice President at Pellara. Together, they explore the advantage of using data, analytics, and AI to compete smarter and win faster. Listen in as they break down the journey from instinct-driven tuning to precision decision-making using predictive models, dashboards, and real-time analytics. Leah shares how embracing data transformed not just her race strategy, but her entire approach to decision-making both on and off the track. David offers insights on what it means to be a true transformation partner.

Storage might not sound exciting, but in today’s AI-driven world, it’s anything but boring. With massive amounts of data piling up, one idea becomes clear: to unlock the future, you need a reliable place to store the past. So what does it take to make IT storage a true strategic enabler? In this episode of Edge of IT, host Jonathan Gough is joined by Mike Sasse, Principal Technologist at Pure Storage, and Darren Livingston, Chief Technology Strategist at Pellera. Together, they explore why storage is no longer a background necessity, but the backbone of scalability, automation, and AI. From ransomware and rising complexity to the shift toward storage-as-a-service, they unpack the challenges leaders face and the innovations reshaping the industry. Mike and Darren explain why the future of storage comes down to abstraction and automation, making storage invisible, interchangeable, and simple to consume. They share real-world insights on building private cloud experiences, measuring ROI through metrics that matter, and preparing for an AI future where data demands never stop. So if you’ve ever thought of storage as something to put on the back burner, this conversation just might change your mind.

Technology should never get in the way of human connection, and in the best cases, it actually makes it stronger. In this episode of Edge of IT, host Jonathan Gough sits down with two guests who’ve built their careers around people-first innovation. Jim McCann, Founder and Executive Chairman of 1-800-FLOWERS, and Theodora “Theo” Pajaczkowska, Advisory & Design Lead at Pellera, join forces to explore how technology from call centers to agentic AI can actually deepen human connection when done right. Together, they unpack how businesses can lead with empathy, apply human-centric principles to modern tools, and use AI to enhance human connection at scale.

Welcome back to Edge of IT. Season 2 is here. In today’s ever-evolving tech landscape, asking the right questions has never mattered more. This season, Edge of IT takes you deeper into the “why” behind the technology, connecting strategy to real-world impact. Hosted by Jonathan Gough, Chief Scientist at Pellera (formerly Converge), the conversations continue with expert tech leaders and innovation powerhouses who are redefining what’s possible. In Season 2, we unpack the big questions around cloud, AI, cybersecurity, and hybrid IT—and how these forces are reshaping not just systems, but entire industries. From autonomous agents to AI ethics, this season isn’t about catching up. It’s about getting ahead. If you're ready to stay prepared in a world that never hits pause, you’re in the right place.Because momentum starts here, at the Edge of IT.

Transformation can feel daunting, but it’s absolutely necessary. When faced with the tides of change, how do you shift from simply adapting to truly embracing transformation as a catalyst for growth? If you're a leader IT grappling with this question, meet Greg Berard, CEO of Pellera. He joins Jonathan for a special Season Two kickoff of Edge of IT, having just led his organization through a complete evolution from Converge to Pellera. Greg opens up about navigating this incredible transformation, sharing his leadership philosophy, people-first approach, and what the movie Miracle on Ice taught him about creating a culture of change. From hosting birthday chats to uncover what his teams truly care about, to defining a brand that symbolizes momentum and client trust, Greg walks through what it takes to lead through reinvention. He explores industry-wide shifts, breaking down how AI and digital innovation are reshaping sectors. Together, he and Jonathan look ahead to what’s next for Pellera: scaling AI, driving client value, and maximizing hybrid IT’s potential. If transformation is on your radar and you’re ready for insight from someone who’s successfully navigated it, press play.

While finance might not be the first industry you associate with innovation, behind the scenes, it has been getting a serious tech upgrade. In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Michael McGeein, Program Director and Product Management Leader at IBM, and Brian Simpson, Senior Director of Presales, Data & AI at Pellera, to unpack how AI is transforming financial planning and analytics. From the early days of algorithmic forecasting to today’s dynamic, real-time modeling, Michael and Brian share how AI is helping teams move beyond static spreadsheets to more agile, decision-ready tools. They dive into the real-world impact across industries like pharma and manufacturing, explore how platforms like AWS are accelerating time to value, and explain how agentic AI is helping democratize forecasting by reducing technical barriers. Most importantly, they discuss why AI in finance isn’t about replacing people, it’s about empowering them to focus on higher-value work. So if you’re wondering what AI in finance looks like in practice, or how it’s reshaping the role of the finance team, this episode may just pay dividends.

Modern IT is at a breaking point, and that’s not a bad thing. As AI sweeps across every industry, organizations are being forced to face what they’ve been avoiding for years: legacy systems that are holding them back. In this episode of Edge of IT, host Jonathan Gough chats with Stu Miniman, Senior Director of Market Insights, Hybrid Platforms at Red Hat and Andrew Tenaglia VP, Application Modernization at Pellera. Together, they discuss the future of modern platforms, the massive cost (and payoff) of AI implementation, and why breaking free from technical debt is non-negotiable. From decoding the economics of GPUs to tackling the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset, this conversation is a reality check and a playbook for IT leaders who are ready to shift from survival mode to smart innovation.

Imagine slicing through AI, seeing every layer, every interaction, and understanding not just what it’s doing, but why. While the world buzzes with talk about AI’s capabilities, a more critical conversation often takes a back seat: what’s actually happening behind the code? In this episode of Edge of IT, host Jonathan is joined by two experts committed to breaking into the black box of AI. Manoj Khabe, VP of Observability and FinOps at Pellera, and Arthur de Magalhaes, AI & Automation Architect at IBM, bring their unique perspectives to help decode observability. They explore real-world use cases for AI observability, how it has evolved in recent years, and where to begin if you’re unsure what’s happening in your AI systems. The conversation also covers what to ask vendors, from integrations and real-time metrics to CI/CD compatibility, showing how observability can reduce cloud costs, speed up resolution, and improve user experience. Tune in to discover why overlooking observability could leave your organization flying blind.

If you work in tech, you have no doubt heard the buzz around agentic AI. But what exactly does it stand to do, and why is everyone talking about it? To help unpack it all, Jonathan Gough is joined by Richard Kott, Partner Development Manager at Microsoft and a passionate advocate for what agentic AI can bring to the table. Together, they dive into the who, what, when, where, and why of agentic AI—exploring what it stands to achieve. Richard reveals how these systems have evolved from single-task agents to today’s upgraded, multi-tasking AI systems that support teams and functions organization-wide. He also shares real-world examples of how agentic AI is being used across industries, from enterprise applications to consumer-facing tools. Most importantly, Jonathan and Richard shine a light on the human side of this technology. They explore how agentic AI connects back to human creativity and a need for compliance to keep everyone protected. Ready to ride the next wave of tech innovation? Let’s talk all things agentic AI.

In a world where billions of devices are coming online and the edge of networks keeps expanding, IT leaders need to ask: How can enterprises stay securely connected? In this episode of Edge of IT, Jonathan sits down with Stephen Bird, Senior Technical Manager at Aruba, to explore how organizations can future-proof their connectivity strategies through visibility, standardization, and intelligent automation. Together, they dive into everything from zero trust architecture to self-healing networks, highlighting what it takes to make modern networking not just seamless but truly intelligent. Exploring the evolving role of data centers, Stephen shares how the real challenge isn't just enablement, but exists in knowing which devices are on your network and whether they're behaving as expected. Looking ahead, he unpacks how technologies like 5G, AI, and machine learning are redefining connectivity, with device profiling and automation playing a central role in scaling and securing enterprise networks. If you're ready to stay connected to the future of connectivity, this episode is for you!

Undergoing a digital transformation can be a daunting experience for IT leaders. With so many options to weigh, it can be difficult to feel confident that you're making the right decision to propel your organization forward. In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Scott Wiest, VP and CTO for Global Sales at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Greg Rhoades, CTO at Pellera, to delve into the complexities of digital transformation. Ready to map out the blueprint for enterprises today, they share their insights on what holds organizations back from embracing the future of IT. They unpack the risks associated not only with transformation but also with the failure to adapt, sharing why standing still could leave organizations vulnerable. Scott and Greg also explore what it means to place your investment in digital transformation, breaking down how returns can be measured and tracked to reflect real organizational change. Ultimately, they reveal why transformation is not just about technology, it’s about having the right mindset and blueprint for the future.

Is AI making its way into your workplace, leaving you curious or maybe even a little unsure about how it will shape your day-to-day work? Whether you see new opportunities or have lingering questions, this episode is here to help! Host Jonathan sits down with Sandi Gardner, Chief Information Officer at Promega, and Emily Martin, Executive Vice President of Hybrid Platforms at Pellera, to explore the intersection of AI, hybrid IT solutions, and collaboration. Together, they discuss how teams can leverage these technologies to spark new forms of teamwork and innovation. They share strategies for building trust while integrating AI into workflows, best practices for customizing Hybrid IT solutions, and how these efforts should align with your investment strategies. Discover why a culture of collaboration—especially during the adoption of new technologies—needs to start from the top down. This episode might just reshape the way you think about working with AI!

Have you ever tried assembling something while someone else shouts instructions? It’s undeniably stressful—a dynamic that feels surprisingly familiar in the world of healthcare IT systems. During the pandemic, the rapid development of diagnostic systems under intense regulation led to a system built at remarkable speed. However, an analysis of today’s healthcare IT reveals that its foundation may not be as solid as it seems. In this episode, Jonathan is joined by Vivek Balasubramanyam, a seasoned leader with over 20 years of expertise in medical devices and diagnostic systems. Together, they examine the cracks forming in the architecture of healthcare IT and identify where the system is beginning to strain under pressure. From the overwhelming influx of data and an evolving regulatory landscape to shifting market dynamics and the rising influence of AI, they explore how these forces are reshaping the system and their direct impact on patients. Taking a closer look at how this complex web was woven, the stakes involved, and what it might take to untangle it, this episode offers a thought-provoking diagnosis of the healthcare system itself.

The intersection of healthcare and AI is a delicate balancing act, one where time saved can mean lives saved. Where innovation carries both tremendous potential and profound responsibility. In this episode, explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in healthcare with Brendan J. Fowkes, Global Industry Technology Leader for Healthcare at IBM, and Hanna Aljaliss, Vice President of Artificial Intelligence at Pellera. From accelerating access to critical patient data to redefining the relationship between clinicians and the digital you, Brendan, and Hanna discuss how AI can empower doctors, improve the patient experience, and guide healthcare toward the goals of the Quadruple Aim. They discuss the significance of explainable AI in the decision-making process and reveal how without the right guardrails, the potential for harm is more than that of your typical model. Discover how AI is bridging the gap between data and care, altering the future for patients and caregivers alike.

Your digital identity is more than just a username and password—it’s how organizations and systems recognize who you are. But what happens when that identity is compromised? In the debut episode of Edge of IT, we dive into the evolving world of identity and access management (IAM) with industry leaders Kyle Watson, VP of IAM at Pellera, and Alex Kemenov, Lead IAM Solutions Engineer at IBM. Together, they break down the rising costs of insider threats, the growing challenge of digital espionage, and what it takes to keep your organization protected. Learn how to modernize IAM practices, why understanding behavior is critical, and what the latest Ponemon report reveals about the state of digital identity. Finally, while AI offers incredible potential for identifying threats, Kyle and Alex explain why organizations need to walk before they run to make the most of these tools. Tune in to this inaugural episode on all things digital identity! Reports referenced: Correction: 56% of organizations reported experiencing a data breach (not 54% as mentioned in the interview). This is referenced on page 28 of the report. Click here to view https://bit.ly/3USqrKq

Technology is transforming our world at an unprecedented pace, but to truly grasp the power behind these groundbreaking solutions, we need to go beyond the code and uncover the brilliant minds creating them. Join Jonathan Gough, Chief Data Scientist, for this inaugural season, as he sits down with trailblazing IT professionals from across industries. Together, they'll explore the stories, challenges, and passions behind the technology that’s shaping our future. Welcome to an exploration of the digital ecosystem. Welcome to The Edge of IT!