🎙️ Episode 42: Remote, Resilient, Real - The Culture That Actually WorksIn this episode, Warner Moore shares how his remote-first companies stay connected and intentional - not through office mandates, but through values, empathy, and smart rituals.From virtual lunch-and-learns to people-first decision making, Warner shows that great remote cultures aren’t an accident - they’re designed.💬 “It’s just being thoughtful in how we work together and making sure that we’re enabling people to be collaborative and support each other.”🔑 Highlights:– How to keep distributed teams aligned and connected– Rituals that reinforce culture, even across time zones– Why values only matter if you live them– Building trust without a physical office🎧 Subscribe and follow for more conversations with the innovators shaping the Silicon Heartland.🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: • Rackspace Technology - We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security. • Varonis - The leader in data security and insider threat detection. • Trace3 - AI to help your business run, grow, and transform. • Sigma Computing - Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.

🎙️ Episode 41: Resilient Leadership in the Real WorldIn today’s episode, Warner Moore gets real about what leadership actually looks like - especially when things get messy.From navigating high-pressure situations to fostering psychological safety, Warner shares the lessons he’s learned leading technical teams, founding companies, and building communities. If you’ve ever wondered how strong cultures are created - or how to lead through failure - this one’s for you.💬 “If you can’t be replaced, you can’t be promoted.”🔑 Highlights:– How to regulate your emotions as a leader– Why blameless postmortems matter– Creating safety and trust in fast-moving environments– Building people-first cultures in the real world🎧 Subscribe and follow for more conversations with the innovators shaping the Silicon Heartland.🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: - Rackspace Technology - We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security. - Varonis - The leader in data security and insider threat detection. - Trace3 - AI to help your business run, grow, and transform.- Sigma Computing - Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.

🎙️ Episode 40: Is It Risky…or Just New?In this episode, Warner Moore challenges the way we think about risk, privilege, and what it really means to take a leap.Drawing from his own entrepreneurial path and deep experience in technology, Warner breaks down how perceived risk is often a matter of perspective - and why the most meaningful opportunities require us to rethink what’s truly risky.💬 “We get in a car every day. It’s one of the riskiest things we can do statistically. And we’re scared of jumping out of an airplane with a parachute—and it’s one of the safer things we can do.” 🔑 Highlights:– The role privilege plays in who gets to “fail fast”– How to reframe risk based on your circumstances– The myth of the romanticized startup leap– Taking calculated risks without betting it all🎧 Subscribe and follow for more conversations with the innovators shaping the Silicon Heartland.🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: • Rackspace Technology - your trusted multi-cloud solutions partner. • Varonis - protecting enterprise data where it lives. • Trace3 - AI to help your business run, grow, and transform. • Sigma Computing - business intelligence built for the cloud.

🎙️ Episode 39: Give First - Building a Career on Relationships

In this episode, Warner Moore shares how generosity, authenticity, and a strong sense of community have shaped his leadership journey. Drawing on lessons from Dale Carnegie and the Columbus tech ecosystem, Warner breaks down why the “give first” mindset isn’t just good karma - it’s a career strategy. One that builds trust, drives impact, and creates real opportunities for everyone involved.

💡 Whether you’re early in your tech journey or leading a team, this episode is a powerful reminder that relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

🔑 Highlights:

- Why “give first” works better than transactional networking

- Building trust in the tech community

- The books and mentors that shaped Warner’s values

- How generosity compounds over time

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.

🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

- Rackspace Technology - We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security.

- Varonis - The leader in data security and insider threat detection.

- Trace3 - AI to help your business run, grow, and transform.

- Sigma Computing - Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.

🎙️ Episode 38: Gotta Find a Way - The Entrepreneur’s Mindset

In this episode, Warner Moore, founder of Gamma Force and a longtime leader in the Midwest tech scene, shares how a rebellious spirit and a love of early internet culture sparked his unconventional path into entrepreneurship.

From teaching himself distributed systems in the days of IRC to building values-driven companies, Warner opens up about what it means to challenge the status quo, lead with authenticity, and find your own way - even when the path doesn’t exist yet.

🎸 Inspired by Nirvana’s Territorial Pissings, this episode explores how music, mindset, and mission can collide to drive meaningful change.

🔑 Highlights:

– Why Warner left the enterprise world to build his own companies

– The mindset behind driving change from the outside

– What Nirvana taught him about leadership

– Building a tech career without asking permission

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: • Rackspace Technology - We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security. • Varonis - The leader in data security and insider threat detection. • Trace3 - AI to help your business run, grow, and transform. • Sigma Computing - Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.

🎙️ Episode 37: Miro Humer - Leading with Empathy, Failing Forward, and Creating Space for InnovationIn this episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we sit down with Miro Humer, CIO of Case Western Reserve University, for a powerful and human-centered conversation about leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of technology in higher education.Miro shares his journey from the private sector to academia, the impact of launching the internal GenAI portal CWRU AI, and how his team is helping shape the digital future of the university. But more than just technology, this episode is about building a workplace culture that empowers people, supports failure as a learning tool, and encourages leadership that is empathetic and purposeful.“Within the IT organization, what I try to do is have a culture where failure isn’t necessarily viewed as failure. It’s viewed as a learning experience… That makes for a better work environment. It gives people more control over their work life. And I think that leads us to a happier place to be.”- Miro Humer🎧 Key Insights You’ll Hear in This Episode: • How Miro launched CWRU’s secure, internal AI platform and is shaping AI innovation within higher education • Why empathy and psychological safety are foundational to tech leadership • How to foster a culture where failure leads to learning instead of fear • The importance of creating safe spaces for people to grow, contribute, and lead • What CIOs and tech leaders can learn from academia about long-term thinking and service orientation🙏 Special thanks to our sponsors for supporting the mission of Cloud Nirvana and the Silicon Heartland Sessions:🙌 Rackspace Technology - We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security.🙌 Varonis - The leader in data security and insider threat detection.🙌 Trace3 – AI to help your business run, grow, and transform.🙌 Sigma Computing - Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.

🎙️Episode 36: Never Get Comfortable - Srini Koushik’s Advice for Aspiring Tech LeadersWhat does it really take to grow as a leader in today’s fast-changing world of technology? For Srini Koushik, President of Technology and Sustainability at Rackspace Technology, the answer is clear: never get comfortable.In Episode 36 of Silicon Heartland Sessions, Srini shares his personal playbook for leadership and growth. He explains why discomfort drives progress, how reinvention keeps you relevant, and why humility and curiosity are the most important traits for any aspiring leader.Whether you’re early in your career or stepping into a bigger leadership role, this episode is packed with wisdom you can apply today.📄 Key Takeaways:Why stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for growthHow to continuously reinvent yourself in a changing industryThe role of curiosity and humility in effective leadershipWhy you shouldn’t wait to be invited to the table - build your ownSrini’s timeless advice for the next generation of tech leadersSpecial thanks to our amazing sponsors for making this conversation possible:Rackspace Technology – your trusted multi-cloud solutions partner.Varonis – protecting enterprise data where it lives - on-prem and in the cloud.Trace3 – helping organizations innovate through advanced IT strategy and execution.Sigma Computing – enabling business users to explore live data without code.

🎙️ Episode 35: AI and Ethics - Why Srini Trusts the Tech, Not Always the People

Artificial intelligence is transforming our world - but are we thinking enough about the consequences?

In Episode 35 of Silicon Heartland Sessions, Srini Koushik, President of Technology and Sustainability at Rackspace Technology, shares a candid and thought-provoking take on the ethical challenges of AI. From the environmental cost of generative AI to the human values that should guide innovation, Srini explores the question: “Just because we can—should we?”

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the intersection of technology, sustainability, and ethics.

Key Takeaways:

• The hidden environmental cost of AI and why it matters

• How to design innovation that is safe, secure, and sustainable

• The moral hazards of disruptive technology

• Why trust in AI ultimately comes down to human decision-making

• How leaders can balance progress with responsibility

Special thanks to our sponsors for powering this conversation:

• Rackspace Technology - your trusted multi-cloud solutions partner.

• Varonis - protecting enterprise data where it lives - on-prem and in the cloud.

• Trace3 - helping organizations innovate through advanced IT strategy and execution.

• Sigma Computing - enabling business users to explore live data without code.

🎙️ Episode 34: Bold Decisions, Big Impact - Srini Koushik on Leadership Under Pressure

In this episode, we’re joined by Srini Koushik, President of Technology and Sustainability at Rackspace Technology, who takes us inside the mind of a leader in high-stakes environments.

You’ll hear about the moment he said no to a CEO’s request, the leadership lessons he learned from Steve Jobs, and why he believes hiring someone who’s never failed is a red flag. If you’re in a position where you’re expected to lead through ambiguity or pressure, this episode is a masterclass.

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Rackspace Technology, enabling cloud-native innovation with unmatched expertise.

Varonis, delivering world-class data security and threat detection.

Trace3, empowering digital transformation through next-gen technology.

And Sigma Computing, redefining data exploration for business users.

🎙️ Episode 33: From Curiosity to CTO - Srini Koushik’s 39-Year Journey in Tech

How do you stay relevant in an industry that reinvents itself every few years? For Srini Koushik, President AI and Sustainability at Rackspace Technology, the answer is simple:

Never stop learning.In this episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, Srini takes us through his 39-year career - from his early days as a developer at IBM to leading global technology and sustainability efforts. Along the way, he shares why curiosity is the ultimate career superpower, how he’s embraced reinvention (including picking up guitar at 50), and what it really takes to thrive in the ever-changing world of tech.If you’re passionate about technology, leadership, and personal growth, this episode will leave you inspired to keep chasing the next big thing - no matter where you are in your journey.🎧 In this episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, you’ll learn:✅ Why curiosity is the ultimate career superpower✅ How to reinvent yourself at any stage✅ Srini’s advice for thriving in a fast-changing tech landscape🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: • Rackspace Technology - We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security. • Varonis - The leader in data security and insider threat detection. • Trace3 - AI to help your business run, grow, and transform. • Sigma Computing - Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.

🎙️ Episode 32: Tushar Kulkarni - From Curiosity to CEO: Building with Heart in the Age of AIIn this inspiring episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we sit down with Tushar Kulkarni, Founder & CEO of Big Kitty Labs, to explore the winding road from relentless curiosity to startup success.Tushar opens up about the early days of entrepreneurship - from maxing out credit cards and draining savings to chasing down a vision powered by belief, creativity, and heart. We dive deep into what it means to lead with empathy, build fast, and remain grounded while working at the edge of what’s possible with AI.As we explore what it means to build in the age of artificial intelligence, Tushar reflects on the power of possibility in the next generation of innovators:“One advantage all of these youngsters have is they have fresh mind.” Whether you’re a founder, technologist, or lifelong learner, this episode reminds us that the path to innovation isn’t linear - it’s human, heart-driven, and rooted in care.🔑 Key Takeaways: •💡 You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. Belief, grit, and curiosity go a long way. • 💡 Empathy isn’t soft—it’s strategic. Building for real people starts with listening deeply. • 💡 Education and experimentation must go hand in hand in an AI-driven world. • 💡 Startups are about scrappiness, creativity, and relentless pursuit—not perfection. • 💡 The next generation’s advantage? A fresh mind and fewer limiting beliefs.🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: • Rackspace Technology - We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security. • Varonis - The leader in data security and insider threat detection. • Trace3 - AI to help your business run, grow, and transform. • Sigma Computing - Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.

🎙️ Episode 31: Scott Shafer - Servant Leadership, Security, and Staying True to What MattersIn this episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we sit down with Scott Shafer, Director of Sales Engineering at Varonis, for a conversation that goes far beyond technology.Scott shares an honest, deeply personal look at what it really means to lead in cybersecurity, an industry that never sleeps—and how staying true to your purpose can help you weather any storm.From his early days in fintech to leading teams protecting the world’s most sensitive data, Scott reflects on:

✅ Why burnout is real—and how discipline, self-awareness, and trust in your team keep you grounded✅ The power of servant leadership and creating environments where people feel safe to grow✅ The lesson that winning alone is always a loss eventually✅ How embracing curiosity and saying yes can redefine your career and your impact✅ Why it’s time to stop letting fear and linear thinking dictate your path“Everything you’re going to do in this life is driven by some factor. If you can eliminate fear from being one of them, you’re going to have a much more fruitful experience.” — Scott ShaferWhether you’re an aspiring technologist or a seasoned leader, this episode will challenge you to rethink your priorities, trust your instincts, and lead with authenticity.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in.🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: • Rackspace Technology – We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security. • Varonis – The leader in data security and insider threat detection. • Trace3 – AI to help your business run, grow, and transform. • Sigma Computing – Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.

🎙️ Episode 30: Live from Cloud Nirvana Columbus - Startups vs. Enterprise in the Age of AI

In this special milestone episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we recorded live on stage at the Cloud Nirvana Columbus Conference, bringing together an incredible panel of leaders from startups and enterprises to explore one question:

How is AI transforming the way we build software - and what does that mean for the future of work?

Our panelists share honest, unfiltered insights about:

✅ Why startups are moving at the speed of curiosity while enterprises balance innovation with risk

✅ The rise of vibe coding and what it means for prototyping, security, and product quality

✅ How AI is shifting skill sets - and why critical thinking and human connection still matter most

✅ Where AI is delivering real value across the SDLC, and where caution is still required

🔥 Startup Leaders:

• Nate Lusher – Founder & Principal Consultant, Renew Work

• Nilanjan Raychaudhuri – Founder, Tublian

• Tushar Kulkarni – CEO & Founder, Big Kitty Labs

• Ray Bohac – CEO & Co-Founder, Spearfish

🔥 Enterprise Leaders:

• Justin Wilkins – Field CTO, Varonis

• James Schumacher – Enterprise Architect, Honda

“If you really want to use AI, you have to use it every single day. You have to practice every single day.” – James Schumacher, Honda

Whether you’re scaling a startup or transforming an enterprise, this episode is full of practical advice, real-world lessons, and fresh perspectives on what it takes to build - and lead - in this era of AI-powered change.

🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

• Rackspace Technology – We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security.

• Varonis – The leader in data security and insider threat detection.

• Trace3 – AI to help your business run, grow, and transform.

• Sigma Computing – Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.

  
  

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.

🎙️ Episode 29: Michael Fulton - Building Legacy through Architecture, Leadership & CommunityIn this episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we sit down with Michael Fulton - Enterprise Architect at Koch, Adjunct Faculty at The Ohio State University, and Co-Founder of Tech Community Nexus - to explore a life and career shaped by influence, service, and intention.Michael’s story is a rare blend of strategic thinking and human connection. From teaching future technologists to leading enterprise transformation, he shares how architecture, mentorship, and innovation intersect to create lasting impact.We dive into:✅ The moment he realized enterprise architecture was his calling✅ Why a shared vision is the foundation for any successful transformation✅ The importance of building context alongside content in tech careers✅ How leadership is about what you guide - not how you control✅ Why Tech Community Nexus exists to help leaders grow, find their way, and elevate others“You’re not on the journey alone. It’s always better to go together.” - Michael FultonWhether you’re a rising technologist or a seasoned executive, this episode will challenge and encourage you to lead with clarity, build with purpose, and stay rooted in what matters most.🔑 Key Takeaways: • Discipline and context - not hours - create sustainable impact • Great leaders focus on what and empower others to define how • EA is about simplifying complexity, not adding to it • Community isn’t a luxury - it’s how we keep up with change • Legacy is crafted one conversation, one insight, one relationship at a time🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: • Rackspace Technology - We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security. • Varonis - The leader in data security and insider threat detection. • Trace3 - AI to help your business run, grow, and transform. • Sigma Computing - Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🎙️ Episode 28: Alfred Gracias - Building Bridges, Leading with Gratitude, and Disrupting with HeartIn this inspiring episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we sit down with Alfred Gracias, Founder & CEO of Digital T3, whose career spans continents, technologies, and transformations. Alfred isn’t just building applications - he’s building bridges between startups and enterprises, technology and humanity, vision and reality.From growing up in India to leading global teams, Alfred shares his deeply personal journey of unlearning corporate habits, launching a successful consultancy, and cultivating a culture of trust, empowerment, and clarity.We explore:✅ The three T’s of his company’s DNA: Target, Technique, and Team✅ Why he left a stable corporate job to chase something more meaningful✅ What it means to empower others to fail safely and lead boldly✅ How a mindset of curiosity, gratitude, and storytelling fuels lasting impact✅ The book that changed his leadership philosophy: The New Kingmakers✅ What enterprises can learn from the startup world - and vice versaWhether you’re a founder, a builder, or a technologist navigating your own path, this episode is packed with wisdom on people-first leadership, responsible AI adoption, and staying true to what matters most.🔑 Key Takeaways: • “If you’re building transformation without involving people, you’re not transforming anything.” • “You miss 100% of the opportunities you don’t ask for - so ask.” • “Disrupt yourself before the world does.” • “The most underrated leadership trait? Gratitude.”🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: • Rackspace Technology – We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security. • Varonis – The leader in data security and insider threat detection. • Trace3 – AI to help your business run, grow, and transform. • Sigma Computing – Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in!

🎙️ Episode 27: Transformation Unplugged - Hard Truths, Big Wins & Bold MovesIn this special episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we bring you the unfiltered insights from Cloud Nirvana’s March 2025 conference in Columbus, featuring three powerhouse voices at the forefront of enterprise transformation: • Matt Randall, Head of AI & Robotics at Path Robotics • Marlene O’Neill, Director of Platform Enablement at Discover • Scott Lesinski, Senior Manager of Cloud Engineering at DiscoverTogether, we explore the real stories behind cloud adoption, AI readiness, and what it actually takes to lead large-scale transformation - inside startups and enterprises alike.🔥 From building adaptive AI robots that weld in the real world…🔥 To migrating 1,200+ apps and dismantling decades of legacy tech…🔥 To modernizing internal platforms at breakneck speed to prepare for AI…This episode is a raw, practical, and deeply human look at what happens when bold vision meets disciplined execution.💡 Key Takeaways:✅ “You can’t wait for motivation to strike - you build systems that drive action.” - Matt Randall✅ Real transformation means giving things up - control, habits, comfort - to gain agility and clarity.✅ AI-readiness isn’t about tools - it’s about simplifying architecture and focusing teams.✅ Technology doesn’t drive change. Behavior does. Habits, alignment, and trust are the levers.✅ Local talent is a differentiator - if you invest in it like the strategic asset it is.🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: • Rackspace Technology - We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security. • Varonis - The leader in data security and insider threat detection. • Trace3 - AI to help your business run, grow, and transform. • Sigma Computing - Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in.This is transformation - unplugged.

🎙️ Episode 26: Don’t Stop Believin’ – Mick Miller’s Journey from Circus Tent to Cloud Engineering

What does a life in the circus have to do with building enterprise cloud systems and leading high-performing engineering teams? A lot more than you’d think. In this unforgettable episode, we sit down with Mick Miller, Senior Product Manager at KeyBank, whose journey into tech started with typewriters, trampolines, and a relentless drive to adapt and lead.

Mick brings a rare mix of passion, grit, humility, and wisdom, sharing lessons from the frontlines of both life and technology. From the early days of mainframes to pioneering modern DevOps culture, Mick’s reflections on leadership, burnout, agile evolution, team dynamics, and the power of truly being human will inspire technologists at every level.

⚠️ Warning: You may leave this episode with renewed hope and a desire to play Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” at full volume.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• On Leadership: “The number one thing is making sure people can have their best ideas.”

• On Burnout: “You can’t have great software without great ideas. And you can’t have great ideas if you’re constantly interrupted.”

• On Inspiration: Real leadership means being in the trenches - not just managing, but coding, listening, and protecting your team from unnecessary noise.

• On Transformation: Mick’s journey from circus rigging to modern cloud engineering is a case study in resilience, curiosity, and reinvention.

• On Constraints & Creativity: “Constraints aren’t limits - they’re focal points for innovation.”

🙏 Thanks to our sponsors for supporting community-led conversations that matter:

🙌 Rackspace Technology – We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security.

🙌 Varonis – The leader in data security and insider threat detection.

🙌 Trace3 – AI to help your business run, grow, and transform.

🙌 Sigma Computing – Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.

Episode 25: Hope Yin - Leading with Energy, Purpose, and PossibilityIn this inspiring episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we sit down with Hope Yin, Founder and Owner of Blueprint Coaching, to explore leadership at the intersection of personal growth, technology, and community impact.Hope shares her journey from aerospace engineering to executive leadership to launching her own coaching business - all guided by a deep commitment to energy alignment, authenticity, and empowering others. Drawing wisdom from works like Energy Leadership by Bruce D. Schneider, Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, and How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith, Hope reminds us that leadership isn’t about titles - it's about influence, intention, and creating a better future for everyone.Through stories of mentorship, resilience, ethical tech adoption, and her passion for increasing representation in leadership, Hope leaves us with a message that will stay with you long after the episode ends:"The best is yet to come, and we can be part of creating that future."Whether you’re navigating personal transformation, building your leadership legacy, or exploring how AI impacts our humanity, this episode offers wisdom, warmth, and practical inspiration.Key Takeaways:✅ Why energy alignment is essential for effective leadership✅ How to create sustainable success through daily wellness habits✅ Why representation matters - and how to support more women in leadership✅ The importance of leading with authenticity in a rapidly evolving world✅ How to think about ethical leadership in an era of AI and transformationSpecial Thanks to Our Sponsors:🙌 Rackspace Technology - We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security.🙌 Varonis - The leader in data security and insider threat detection.🙌 Trace3 - AI to help your business run, grow, and transform.🙌 Sigma Computing - Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms!

🎙️ Episode 24: Purpose, Possibility & the Power of Mentorship - Disha Patel, Digital Technology & Innovation Lead at AmgenIn this heartfelt and empowering episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we sit down with Disha Patel, the Digital Technology & Innovation Site Lead at Amgen Ohio, to explore how purpose-driven leadership, resilience, and mentorship are transforming the tech landscape - especially in healthcare and biotech.Disha’s personal journey - from global career pivots to leading a greenfield digital initiative in Ohio - highlights what it truly means to lead with authenticity and courage in a fast-paced world.💡 Key Takeaways:✅ How to align your career with your gifts and passions - and why purpose is your most powerful compass.✅ The importance of saying no and setting boundaries in order to say yes to what really matters.✅ What it means to lead collaboratively and build a culture where others feel safe to take risks.✅ How Amgen is leveraging technology and AI to reshape biotech - and save lives.✅ Why mentorship matters more than ever, and how reverse mentorship is creating meaningful transformation.✅ Disha’s personal habits for staying grounded, centered, and fully present in both work and life.💬 "You're never too late to find your purpose in life... but it takes reflection, curiosity, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone." - Disha PatelWhether you're navigating imposter syndrome, seeking balance in a high-stakes role, or just looking for inspiration from a powerful leader in tech, this episode offers the kind of wisdom that sticks with you.🎧 Listen now and discover why Disha is one of the most inspiring voices in Ohio’s technology and healthcare community.🙏 Special thanks to our amazing sponsors for supporting this episode:🙌 Rackspace Technology - We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security.🙌 Varonis - The leader in data security and insider threat detection.🙌 Trace3 - AI to help your business run, grow, and transform.🙌 Sigma Computing - Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.

🎙️ Episode 23: Michael Farrar – Runnin' Down a Dream in the Public SectorIn this episode, we sit down with Michael Farrar, CIO for the City of Westerville, who shares an incredibly human and inspiring journey of leadership, resilience, and transformation in the public sector.In this powerful conversation, Michael shares what it means to lead with heart and humility while navigating rapid technological change in the public sector. You’ll hear how a childhood theme song (“Running Down a Dream” by Tom Petty) became a lifelong anthem for chasing goals, pushing through challenges, and never giving up.💡 What You’ll Learn:✅ How Michael built a successful career by saying “yes” to the jobs no one wanted✅ The discipline it takes to lead a tech organization while being present as a father, husband, and community mentor✅ How the City of Westerville is innovating with AI and smart city tech - without sacrificing trust or ethical responsibility✅ Why building relationships and community is the true legacy of a great leaderHis insights are authentic, unfiltered, and deeply human - and his advice is just as relevant for CTOs and software engineers as it is for city managers and startup founders.🎧 Tune in for a conversation that blends technology, leadership, and a bold reminder to “stay curious” and “keep moving forward” - no matter what.🙏 Huge thanks to our 2025 sponsors who make this podcast possible:🙌 Rackspace Technology – We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across the multicloud, applications, data, and security.🙌 Varonis – A pioneer in data security and analytics, providing a platform to manage, analyze, and secure enterprise data against insider threats and cyberattacks.🙌 Trace3 – AI to help your business run, grow, and transform.🙌 Sigma Computing – Next-generation cloud analytics and BI with a spreadsheet interface, enabling teams to analyze live data at scale.🎧 Tune in now: https://www.cloudnirvana.org/podcast