Cut the $hIT

Education, Empathy, and Innovation: A New Approach to Technical Training

This week Bryan sits down with Mike Paez, a Technical Trainer at Fortinet and a rising star in cybersecurity education. With his engaging and creative approach to teaching, Mike has earned the nickname “The Bill Nye of Cybersecurity.” He shares his unique career journey—from sales to engineering to his current role—highlighting how empathy, ingenuity, and design creativity drive his mission to make cybersecurity more accessible. Tune in to hear how Mike is changing the game on YouTube, LinkedIn, and beyond! We hope you enjoy this week's episode of Cut the $hIT.

Watch Mike on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbbcH8MnXJ7m8eACMz-Aoz0cxDprEOp4&si=D9GhZ_vYu4C4xpbG 

Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report: https://www.fortinet.com/content/dam/fortinet/assets/reports/2024-cybersecurity-skills-gap-report.pdf

Watch the video version on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlowNetworks/playlists 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cuttheshitpod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuttheshit_pod/

Learn more about Plow Networks: https://bit.ly/4bLZmzT

 

The Importance of Keeping Tech Sales "Human" in the Era of AI

Technology and service sales are evolving—so what’s working, what’s not, and where are we headed? This week Bryan sits down with Christopher Shubert, VP of Channel Sales at AppDirect, to break it all down. With nearly six years under his belt at AppDirect and extensive experience in sales, Christopher shares his take on the current state of the industry, the biggest challenges facing sellers today, and how research and training platforms will shape the future of buying and selling. No matter what you're selling the bottom line is, in this current "information era" fueled by the internet and artificial intelligence we are in, consumers' buying habits are changing. And that is what Bryan and Christopher are here to talk about. We hope you glean a few thoughtful insights from this week's episode, enjoy. 

Watch the video version on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlowNetworks/playlists 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cuttheshitpod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuttheshit_pod/

Learn more about Plow Networks: https://bit.ly/4bLZmzT

 

2025 Technology Trends and Predictions

For the first episode of 2025, Bryan is solo, bringing you his annual technology trends and predictions for the new year. As they say, the more things change the more they stay the same, that seems to be the case with technology trends for this year as well. From the widespread adoption of AI to companies looking to maintain safe levels of cybersecurity, Bryan guesses not much will change regarding those this year. However, with a new president in the white house, there are always going to be changes that come with that. What kind of changes will the IT industry see with President Trump in office? Find out Bryan's predictions in this week's episode of Cut the $hIT. 

 

Articles referenced during the show:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-are-companies-using-ai-agents-heres-a-look-at-five-early-users-of-the-bots-26f87845?mod=tech_lead_story

https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/microsoft-ai-assistant-copilot-365-suite-dfb293b3?mod=tech_feat1_ai_pos3 

 

Watch the video version on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlowNetworks/playlists 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cuttheshitpod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuttheshit_pod/

Learn more about Plow Networks: https://bit.ly/4bLZmzT

 

Navigating the MSP Landscape: Insights on Value, AI, and the Future of IT

In the last episode of 2024, Bryan sits down with Nathan Whittacre, Founder and CEO of Stimulus Technologies, a leading managed IT services provider (MSP) based in Henderson, Nevada. Despite both being veterans of the IT services industry, this conversation goes beyond "inside baseball" and dives into the real challenges and opportunities facing MSPs today.

Nathan shares his unique perspectives on the IT buying process, how MSPs can deliver genuine value to their clients, and where he sees AI shaping the future of IT services. Whether you're in the tech world, an IT leader, or just curious about the evolving business landscape, this episode is packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking discussion.

Tune in for an engaging look at how technology providers are adapting, innovating, and delivering smarter solutions for clients in today's fast-paced environment. 

We will see you all in 2025!

Unlock Your 5% Discount on Microsoft 365 Licensing!

https://plow.net/microsoft-365-promo/ 

 

Watch the video version on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlowNetworks/playlists 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cuttheshitpod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuttheshit_pod/

Learn more about Plow Networks: https://plow.net 

 

After Hours: The missing R in Managed Detection and Response

This week Bryan is joined again by Co-Founders of Plow Networks, Cameron Plato and Brian Law for an After Hours episode. If you're new, here or maybe forgot since we haven't had an After Hours in a while, these episodes are the epitome of Cut the $hIT. Unfiltered, raw conversations between Bryan, Cameron, and Brian about industry trends and topics they think the listeners need to know. In this episode, the three talk about how things are wrapping up as 2024 comes to a close and look toward the future for 2025. They get into the differences they see in the IT sales world from a hiring perspective for potential salespeople compared to in years past. And most interestingly, Bryan brings up the topic of Managed Detection and Response (MDR), and how businesses are finding out that the R, doesn't always mean response. They will lay out how you should approach a conversation with your MDR to make sure you know exactly what their "response" looks like. 

 

Unlock Your 5% Discount on Microsoft 365 Licensing!

https://plow.net/microsoft-365-promo/ 

 

Watch the video version on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlowNetworks/playlists 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cuttheshitpod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuttheshit_pod/

Learn more about Plow Networks: https://plow.net 

Transforming Healthcare with AI: Interactive Virtual Agents and Contact Centers

In this week's episode Bryan is joined by Roni Jamesmeyer, Senior Marketing Manager at Five9, to explore how AI is reshaping healthcare through cutting-edge contact center solutions. With over two decades in the industry, Five9 began as a dialer software provider for call centers and has since evolved into a major player in cloud contact center technology. Roni shares her journey from traditional cabling to hosted voice services and discusses how Five9 now supports healthcare companies with AI-driven interactive virtual agents (IVAs). They dive into the transformative power of IVAs, the role of AI in improving patient experience, and how healthcare companies are meeting the consumer-driven demands of today’s patients. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of healthcare contact centers!

Watch the video version on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlowNetworks/playlists 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cuttheshitpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuttheshit_pod/ Learn more about Plow Networks: https://plow.net

Mitigating Cyber Crime: Protecting Your Business with Identity-Based Security

This week, Bryan is joined in Nashville by MacKenzie Brown, VP of Security at Blackpoint Cyber. Blackpoint focuses on delivering Identity-Based Security to its customers, and MacKenzie explains how this benefits customers of all sizes. Join us as MacKenzie shares her journey from working in IT at Microsoft to her current cybersecurity position at Blackpoint. As a woman in the IT industry, MacKenzie provides unique insights into working in this field and shares her thoughts on the future of cybersecurity.

We hope you enjoy this exciting episode.

 

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlowNetworks/podcasts

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cuttheshitpod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuttheshit_pod/

Learn more about Plow Networks: https://plow.net

Wi-Fi Reimagined: Is Wi-Fi Sensing AI the next big thing for technology?

This week Bryan is joined by Tony Nicolaidis, Chief Commercial Officer at Origin AI. Origin AI is a cutting-edge Wi-Fi technology startup based in Northern Virginia, and Tony brings us an inside look into their journey and the exciting innovations they are driving. Join us as Tony shares the inspiring origin story behind Origin AI, explains the market sectors they aim to serve, and highlights why their groundbreaking technology is poised to revolutionize security and energy management for businesses in the near future. With a passionate approach and deep insights, Tony paints a compelling picture of the role Wi-Fi will play in shaping smarter, more efficient workplaces.

We hope you enjoy this week's episode.

 

The book referenced in the show: Crossing the Chasm 

 

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlowNetworks/podcasts 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cuttheshitpod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuttheshit_pod/

Learn more about Plow Networks: https://plow.net

 

Cybersecurity Unmasked: Solving the Human Element with an FBI Veteran

This week Bryan is joined by Scott Augenbaum, a renowned expert in cybersecurity with over three decades of experience, including 15 years as a supervisory special agent with the FBI's cyber prevention and counterintelligence teams. Now a highly sought-after author and speaker, Scott brings his wealth of knowledge to the private sector, advocating for increased cybersecurity awareness.

Join us as Scott dives into the paradox of rising cybersecurity spending and the worsening state of cyber threats. He argues that the real solution lies not just in technology, but in addressing the human element at the core of the problem. Tune in for an insightful discussion that will change the way you think about cybersecurity.

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pug37UpXk_o

Read Scott's Book Today! The Secret to Cybersecurity 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cuttheshitpod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuttheshit_pod/

Learn more about Plow Networks: https://plow.net

 

Innovative Security: The Future of the Fractional CISO

This week Bryan is joined by Charlie Field, the Founder and CEO of Win Win Advisors. With nearly 30 years of experience in the telecom industry and a proven track record as a sales and development manager turned entrepreneur, Charlie brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

They dive into Win Win Advisors' innovative fractional Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) program, discussing the types of engagements they are involved in, the expertise of their team, and the future of fractional services in the industry. Tune in for an insightful conversation that sheds light on how Win Win Advisors is helping clients nationwide with talent, technology, and training solutions. We hope you enjoy this episode. 

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pug37UpXk_o

Link to book mentioned in the show: Blue Ocean Strategy

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cuttheshitpod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuttheshit_pod/

Learn more about Plow Networks: https://plow.net