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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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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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.
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Momentum Starts Here: How to Transform an Organization with Pellera CEO Greg Berard
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.
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How AI Is Accelerating Financial Planning and Analytics
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.
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.
Explore more at pellera.com