Proactive by Design: How Compliance, Data, Identity, and Access Drive Modern Security
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.
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28:36
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28:36
Data at 330 MPH: The Tech Behind Tony Stewart Racing’s Competitive Edge
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.
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29:22
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29:22
The Gatekeeper of Innovation: Storage’s Role in AI and Tomorrow’s Technology
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.
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36:42
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36:42
Human-Centric Tech: Designing for Connection in a Digital World
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.
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34:32
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34:32
Season Two Starts Now: Join us at the Edge of IT
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.
Welcome to Edge of IT, the podcast that connects the dots between cutting-edge tech and the world it’s creating. Join host Jonathan Gough as he takes a closer look at the ideas driving progress: from AI and cybersecurity to the unsung heroes of IT who make it all work. Discover how technology is redefining what’s possible, one episode at a time.
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