Tech Talent Today

• AI Hype vs. Reality: Navigating Digital Transformation with Sunitha Ray, Ep#38

  Is the buzz around AI blinding you to its real benefits and the potential risks it brings to the enterprise? In this insightful episode of Tech Talent Today, we're joined by Sunitha Ray, a digital supply chain and technology executive focused on digital disruptive programs, technology and supply chain strategy, transformation & execution, AI and ML, and data engineering. With over two decades of experience leading digital and supply chain transformations at global giants like Walmart Labs and Shopify, Sunitha offers a grounded perspective on what's truly happening with AI implementation, how to avoid costly mistakes, and the essential skills tech professionals need to thrive. Sunitha cuts through the noise, revealing that while AI is the "greatest technological breakthrough" since the internet, it's "not a magic bullet." Its adoption is surprisingly slow, and the technology still needs to mature. She emphasizes that simply "throwing AI at a problem" won't solve it unless workflows are streamlined and processes are redesigned. "Everybody's talking about AI, and when you know everyone's talking about it, there is obviously a little bit of hype. We are experiencing a hype cycle, but I am also very excited about AI. I think, after the internet, this is the greatest technological breakthrough we have seen today in tech. However, AI is not a magic bullet." – Sunitha Ray You’ll want to hear this episode if you are interested in… 0:02:21 — The AI Hype Cycle vs. Reality: Understanding the current excitement around AI, why its adoption is still relatively slow in the enterprise, and the biggest gaps between hype and reality.  0:04:30 — Demystifying AI Terms & Current Use Cases: Clear definitions of Traditional/Predictive AI, Generative AI (Gen AI), and where AI is actually making a tactical and operational impact today. 0:07:02 — The Democratization of AI & Its Impact on Careers: Why Gen AI has gained widespread popularity due to its accessibility, and why AI won't render most people jobless, but will require upskilling.  0:10:00 — Essential Skills for the AI Era: Beyond technical skills, discover the critical importance of creativity, emotional intelligence, leadership, and deep domain expertise for future success. 0:13:12 — Why AI Projects Fail: Common pitfalls companies face, including lack of strategy, data quality issues, and neglecting process redesign before implementing technology.  0:15:22 —Setting Yourself Up for Success: Profound advice on navigating your career path in the AI era. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the true state of AI in the enterprise and strategically position themselves for the future.   About Sunitha Ray:  Sunitha Ray is a highly experienced digital supply chain and technology executive, specializing in digital disruptive programs, technology and supply chain strategy, transformation & execution, AI and ML, and data engineering. She currently serves as an Executive Consultant on Digital Supply Chain and Sustainability, and is an Investor, Operator, and Board Advisor with Finboot, HansaHub, and Talentas. Her industry leadership roles include former Chief CTO at Shopify, Vice President of IT Applications for SharkNinja, SVP – Technology, Supply Chain & Digital for Flow Beverages, and Head of Supply Chain Transformation for Benjamin Moore & Co. Additionally, Sunitha spent over two decades in technology consulting, leading teams across North America, Latin America, and EMEA, working with leading retailers and manufacturers such as Walmart, The Gap, Kroger, Johnson Controls, and Tesco at Capgemini and Wipro.   Connect with Us ·        Connect with Sunitha Ray: LinkedIn Profile ·        Connect with Tech Talent Today host Jodi Kulek Mayer: LinkedIn Profile ·        Visit Clearmont Technologies for IT staffing and search:  ClearmontTech.com   THANKS FOR LISTENING Did you enjoy this episode? If so, don’t forget to subscribe and share it with a friend. See you next time on Tech Talent Today! Subscribe to Tech Talent Today onApple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts  This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com

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• Beyond the Buzz: Master AI Prompt Engineering & Future-Proof Your IT Career with Bob England, Ep#37

  Is the AI revolution leaving you feeling… behind? Everyone’s talking about AI, but how can you actually harness its power to supercharge your career? In this eye-opening episode of Tech Talent Today, we go straight to the source with Bob England, a senior executive in IT infrastructure and operations. Bob isn't just talking about AI; he's actively developing a guide on prompt engineering to help professionals like you leverage AI immediately and effectively. Forget the hype and learn what really matters for your career. Bob reveals why simply "using" AI isn't enough – and why mastering prompt engineering is your secret weapon for gaining a significant advantage in today's tech landscape. Whether you're an IT leader, an infrastructure pro, or in any tech role, this conversation is a career accelerator. "Gen AI is not going to put people out of business, but those people who don't use Gen AI, they're going to find themselves being less effective compared to somebody who does the same job who is leveraging Gen AI." – Bob England You’ll want to hear this episode if you are interested in… 0:00:45 — The AI Myth Debunked: Why AI won't take your job but not using it effectively will leave you less competitive. 0:03:22 — The Power of the Prompt: Understand the crucial difference between basic AI usage and mastering prompt engineering to get truly valuable outputs. 0:05:25 — Crafting the Perfect Prompt: Learn Bob's key strategies for setting the tone, providing context, and breaking down complex questions for optimal AI responses. 0:11:00 — Real-World AI in Action: Hear how Bob's own team uses AI for everything from generating strategic outlines and professional emails to foundational code. 0:13:20 — AI Beyond ChatGPT: Explore how generative AI capabilities are being embedded directly into the software tools you already use, transforming operations from ServiceNow to Dynatrace. 0:23:56 — The Indispensable Human Element: Why your experience and judgment are more critical than ever for validating AI outputs and "making it yours". 0:30:42 — Your Personal AI Journey Starts Now: Bob's practical advice on experimenting with AI tools, building your "AI muscle," and staying relevant in this fast-evolving space. Don't just observe the AI revolution—master its tools to stay ahead. This episode provides the practical guidance you need to unlock AI's true potential in your daily tasks and position yourself at the forefront of tomorrow's tech landscape. About Bob England: Bob England is a senior executive in the infrastructure and operations department for a P&C carrier in the insurance industry. He is passionate about making AI immediately useful for professionals and has developed a guide on AI prompt engineering. Connect with Us ·        Connect with Bob England: Bob's LinkedIn Profile ·        Connect with Tech Talent Today host Jodi Kulek Mayer: Jodi's LinkedIn Profile ·        Visit Clearmont Technologies for IT staffing and search:  ClearmontTech.com Resources ·        Prompt Engineering 101: Create Content in 3 Simple Steps with Ask AI ·        Prompt Engineering 101 for Images: Crafting Detailed Visual Descriptions ·        Learn About Copilot Prompts ·        Copilot Prompt Gallery   THANKS FOR LISTENING Did you enjoy this episode? If so, don’t forget to subscribe and share it with a friend. See you next time on Tech Talent Today! Subscribe to Tech Talent Today onApple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts  This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com

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• Searching for a Job? You Don't Have to Do It Alone with Mark Beatty, Ep# 36

  In today's challenging tech job market, what strategies are actually working for experienced technology leaders? Mark Beatty, an executive board member of the Society of Information Management New Jersey and co-chair of their Members in Transition program, shares invaluable insights from the frontlines of tech career development. Drawing from his extensive leadership experience at First Advantage, New York Life, and Citigroup, Mark reveals how the most successful job seekers are navigating the current landscape through focused networking, strategic use of AI tools, and collaborative support systems. Whether you're currently searching or securely employed, this conversation offers practical strategies that serve as a career insurance policy in volatile times.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... 0:00:07 — The current state of the tech job market 0:01:54 — How SIM's Members in Transition program supports tech leaders 0:05:00 — Effective use of AI tools in the job search process 0:07:16 — Why networking remains the critical success factor 0:12:44 — Creating a supportive community during career transitions 0:15:00 — Success stories and creative job search strategies 0:20:00 — The power of search buddies and mastermind groups 0:28:16 — Mark's "Five R's" framework for leadership 0:35:42 — Career advice from years of experience  "Some people say, 'Well, what are our shortcuts? Can I use all this AI stuff and get a job tomorrow?' No, you can't. But what are our more successful folks doing, the ones that seem to be getting at bats, more interviews and opportunities? Networking, networking, networking." - Mark Beatty Navigating Today's Challenging Tech Job Market Mark doesn't sugarcoat the current reality - this is possibly the toughest tech job market in years. With market uncertainty, geopolitical issues, and AI-related upheaval, employers are hesitant to hire and have heightened expectations for candidates. Despite these challenges, opportunities exist for those willing to put in focused effort and adapt their expectations. Leveraging AI Tools Strategically The podcast explores how job seekers are using tools like JobScan, Resume.AI, Claude, ChatGPT, and Teal to enhance their search efforts. These technologies help optimize resumes, prepare for interviews, and manage networking relationships—but Mark emphasizes they're supplements to, not replacements for, human effort and judgment. The Power of SIM's Support Community Mark shares how SIM's Members in Transition program creates a safe space where tech leaders can receive emotional support, tactical advice, and practical networking opportunities. The group's collaborative spirit is exemplified by members who help prepare each other for interviews with the same company, demonstrating a "karma and paying it forward" philosophy. Success Stories That Inspire The episode highlights creative approaches that have worked for SIM members, including the "three by five rule" for LinkedIn visibility and an innovative strategy where a candidate reached out to 30 people at a target company before an interview. The Five R's of Leadership Mark reveals his framework for effective leadership: Roadmap (goals), Risk (guardrails), Resources (available tools and people), Relationships (connections at all levels), and Reputation (maintaining trust and respect). This approach helped him successfully navigate major projects like implementing GDPR compliance for a global company under tight deadlines. Relax and Rejoice (and Bring Ice Cream) Mark’s final advice: don’t forget to celebrate your wins—and bring some joy to the journey. Sometimes, a little chocolate or a tub of ice cream is the best team motivator of all. About Mark Beatty: Mark Beatty is an executive board member of the Society of Information Management New Jersey and co-chair of their Members in Transition program. His career spans leadership roles at First Advantage, New York Life, and Citigroup where as acting CIO, he led global teams through critical transformations, from building GDPR-compliant European data centers to guiding companies through successful IPOs. Resources: Learn more about SIM New Jersey Chapter: SIM New Jersey Connect with Mark Beatty: LinkedIn Profile Connect with Tech Talent Today host Jodi Kulek Mayer: LinkedIn Profile Visit Clearmont Technologies: Website    THANKS FOR LISTENING Did you enjoy this episode? If so, don’t forget to subscribe and share it with a friend. See you next time on Tech Talent Today! Subscribe to Tech Talent Today onApple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts  This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com

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• Why Technical Skills Aren’t Enough: Building IT Teams with John Erickson, Ep #35

  What does it take to create an IT team that doesn’t just work well together but thrives over the long term? In this episode, John Erickson, Director of Information Technology at Berje, dives into the secret sauce of team building: developing people, not just delivering projects. With two decades of experience across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and banking, John shares how he identifies talent, nurtures potential, and fosters an environment of collaboration and growth. From coaching team members through challenges to celebrating their big wins, John’s people-first approach offers valuable insights for IT leaders and aspiring managers alike.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…  0:00:00 — The role of people development in IT leadership 0:02:42 — How to spot top talent in interviews 0:05:16 — John’s favorite interview questions 0:07:54 — Can interpersonal skills be coached? 0:12:24 — Why technical skills are only part of the equation 0:17:25 — John's favorite leadership success stories 0:21:09 — Building a Collaborative Culture 0:30:49 — Final thoughts on leadership, retention, and growth "The technical stuff is the easy stuff. These other things - developed over time - are important for you to be successful in a technology world. You need to be able to think and act and work among other people."- John Erickson  Hiring for More Than Just Skills John emphasizes that the best IT hires aren’t just technically sound—they’re adaptable, collaborative, and focused on more than just the technology. He shares his go-to interview questions that reveal whether candidates can thrive as team players. The Consequences of Neglecting Human Skills John explains why balancing technical expertise with interpersonal skills is critical for long-term success. He shares a cautionary tale about a highly technical team member who struggled due to underdeveloped interpersonal skills. Listen to how this impacted the team and what lessons were learned. Leading Through Coaching and Trust John believes in giving his team members room to grow by offering opportunities for leadership and ownership. A standout example? Coaching a hesitant team member through a challenging project and watching their confidence soar as they succeeded. Celebrating Success and Encouraging Growth Whether it’s guiding someone from an entry-level role to executive leadership or helping a team member tackle a tough project for the first time, John’s stories showcase the power of a people-centered leadership style. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned IT leader who understands that building successful teams requires more than technical expertise. John's practical insights on developing talent, fostering growth, and creating a culture of trust and collaboration provide invaluable lessons for anyone looking to build and lead high-performing IT teams. About John Erickson: John Erickson is a seasoned IT executive with extensive experience across diverse industries, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, banking, and consumer packaged goods.  His expertise spans various IT disciplines, driving innovation and efficiency in complex technological environments.  John excels in coaching and developing high-performing teams, fostering a culture of growth and collaboration.  He is currently Director, Information Technology at Berjé, Inc., a family-owned supplier of flavors, fragrances, and essential oils, located in Carteret, New Jersey.  John holds a BBA in Computer Systems from Baruch College and an MBA in Finance from Fordham University Gabelli School of Business, both in New York City.   Resources: Learn more about Berje: https://www.berjeinc.com Gary Vaynerchuk, “The soft skills are actually the hard skills in business.”:  Read here Simon Sinek, “There’s NO Such Thing as ‘Soft Skills’”:  Watch here Connect with John Erickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-erickson/  Connect with Tech Talent Today host Jodi Kulek Mayer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikulekmayer/ https://clearmonttech.com/   THANKS FOR LISTENING Did you enjoy this episode? If so, don’t forget to subscribe and share it with a friend. See you next time on Tech Talent Today! Subscribe to Tech Talent Today onApple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts  This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com

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• Unlock the Secrets of IT Leadership with Pasquale Cirullo, Ep #34

  In this captivating episode, we sit down with Pasquale Cirullo, a dynamic IT executive whose remarkable 20-year journey has taken him from the trenches of technology to the forefront of leadership. With a wealth of experience guiding diverse teams across manufacturing, real estate, non-profits, advertising, and publishing, Pasquale brings a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced world of IT. Join us as we delve into his transformative experiences, from eye-opening leadership courses to game-changing books that have shaped his management philosophy. Discover how Pasquale's passion for mentorship, continuous learning, and building strong, adaptable teams has propelled him to the top of his field. Get ready to take notes as he shares his insider secrets on hiring top talent, fostering a culture of trust and empowerment, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of information technology. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... 0:00:00 -- Pasquale's Journey to Leadership Roles 0:03:24 -- Impactful Leadership Courses and Books 0:08:52 -- Pasquale's Approach to Interviewing and Hiring 0:14:20 -- The Importance of Cultural Fit and Relationships 0:18:36 -- Hiring Consultants vs. Full-Time Employees 0:22:14 -- Advice for Pasquale's Younger Self "I don't want to look over your shoulder and tell you everything you need to do. I need to trust that I can tell you what I want done... I want the people to push back on me and say, no, that's not the way we should do it. And we can have that conversation." -- Pasquale Cirullo Leadership Lessons from Unexpected Places Pasquale shares how his leadership journey began not in the professional world, but through involvement in his college commuter club and as a scoutmaster in his son's Boy Scout troop. He discusses the influential mentors who saw his potential and encouraged him to take on greater responsibilities. Continuous Learning and Growth Discover the books and leadership courses that have shaped Pasquale's management style and philosophy. He highlights the transformative experience of SIM's Regional Leadership Forum (RLF) and shares his key takeaways from thought-provoking reads like "Man's Search for Meaning," "The Abilene Paradox," and "Start with Why." Building Strong IT Teams Gain insights into Pasquale's strategies for interviewing and hiring top talent. He emphasizes the importance of cultural fit, adaptability, and strong relationships built on trust. Pasquale also discusses the considerations when deciding between hiring consultants versus full-time employees for specific projects. Leading with Trust and Empowerment Pasquale offers a candid look into his leadership style, which prioritizes trust, open communication, and empowering team members to take ownership of their work. He shares his approach to one-on-one meetings and fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable pushing back and having honest conversations. Throughout the episode, Pasquale's passion for continuous learning, mentorship, and building strong, adaptable teams shines through. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned IT leader's wealth of experience and practical wisdom. Resources: Society for Information Management (SIM): https://www.simnet.org/ Books Mentioned: ·        "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/0807014273 ·        "The Abilene Paradox and Other Meditations on Management" by Jerry B. Harvey: https://www.amazon.com/Abilene-Paradox-Other-Meditations-Management/dp/0787902772 ·        "Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High" by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/0071771328 ·        "Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done" by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan: https://www.amazon.com/Execution-Discipline-Getting-Things-Done/dp/0609610570 ·        "Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action" by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447   Connect with Pasquale Cirullo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasquale-cirullo-52b1542/ Connect with Tech Talent Today host Jodi Kulek Mayer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikulekmayer/ https://clearmonttech.com/ THANKS FOR LISTENING Did you enjoy this episode? If so, don't forget to subscribe and share it with a friend. See you next time on Tech Talent Today! Subscribe to Tech Talent Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com

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