The Bridgecast with Scott Kinka

In this episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka sits down with Elaine Barsoom — Venture Partner at Silicon Foundry and former Global Head of Tech Innovation, Partnerships, and Strategy at Nike — to explore what purposeful AI adoption actually looks like inside complex, global enterprises. Elaine challenges the all-too-common "AI mandate" problem head-on, urging leaders to start with the right questions: What problem are we trying to solve, and can AI actually help? Drawing on her experience at Nike and American Express, she shares battle-tested frameworks for AI governance, cross-functional rollout, and building champion programs that drive sustainable adoption from the bottom up — not just the top down. From Lowe's Milo to Wingstop's Smart Kitchen, this conversation is packed with real-world proof that the most effective AI strategies are designed around humans first, tools second. Essential listening for CIOs, IT leaders, and anyone trying to navigate the gap between AI hype and measurable business impact. To find out how Bridgepointe Technologies helps businesses make IT decisions faster with world-class engineering support and ongoing guidance, head to https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/

In this episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka sits down with Paul Lekas, Executive Vice President of Global Public Policy at the SIIA, to demystify the complex world of AI regulation. As states move faster than the federal government to regulate technology, Paul provides a roadmap for how businesses can stay ahead of shifting laws without stifling innovation. From data mapping to navigating "high-risk" AI use cases, this conversation is a must-listen for any IT leader trying to operationalize policy into strategy. To find out how Bridgepointe Technologies helps businesses make IT decisions faster with world-class engineering support and ongoing guidance, head to https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/

In this episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka sits down with Denis O'Shea, Founder and CEO of Mobile Mentor, to tackle one of enterprise IT's most urgent and most overlooked mandates: going passwordless. Denis brings a rare perspective forged across Nokia's global expansion, 20 years scaling Mobile Mentor to Microsoft's Global Partner of the Year, and a hands-on mission to help over one million people become more secure and productive. From the hidden danger of unmanaged executive MacBooks to the ROI of biometric sign-in at 38,000-clinician healthcare systems, this conversation delivers a frank, actionable blueprint for IT leaders ready to move from fear-mode security to a best-of-platform future. Essential listening for CIOs, security architects, and anyone responsible for keeping hybrid workforces safe. To find out how Bridgepointe Technologies helps businesses make IT decisions faster with world-class engineering support and ongoing guidance, head to https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/

In this episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka sits down with Joel Neeb, Chief Transformation and Business Operations Officer at 8x8, former US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, and F-15 Mission Commander. Joel shares how military precision translates to business transformation, revealing why you must "begin before you're ready," the power of visualizing success, and how cancer survival reshaped his entire leadership philosophy. From flying upside down faster than the speed of sound to leading enterprise AI transformations, Joel delivers the hard truth: we are all Blockbuster Video today unless we're willing to disrupt ourselves. He breaks down 8x8's evolution from communications platform to communications intelligence platform and shares the three-step framework (Visualize, Optimize, Automate) every IT leader needs to implement AI successfully. Essential listening for anyone navigating transformation in an era where standing still means obsolescence. To find out how Bridgepointe Technologies helps businesses make IT decisions faster with world-class engineering support and ongoing guidance, head to https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/

In Part 2 of The Bridgecast's year-end recap, host Scott Kinka and producer Gene Volpe dive deep into the themes that defined 2025: the future of hybrid work, generational leadership shifts, and what it takes to lead transformation in the AI era. Featuring powerful clips from Gary Sorrentino (Zoom), Chris MacFarland (Comcast), Aaron Darcy (Lumen), Chad Townes (AT&T), and Neil Foard, this episode tackles the "return to office" debate, the lost art of the water cooler, and why 2030 will bring a new wave of leadership. Scott shares his boldest predictions for 2026, reveals his ChatGPT "Wrapped," and explains why Season 4 will focus on design decisions over tools. Essential listening for IT leaders navigating the intersection of humanity and technology. To find out how Bridgepointe Technologies helps businesses make IT decisions faster with world-class engineering support and ongoing guidance, head to https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/

In this special year-end episode of The Bridgecast, producer Gene Volpe flips the script and interviews host Scott Kinka about 2025's biggest moments. With 26 episodes, 91,000 downloads, and conversations featuring 34 tech executives, they break down the top buzzwords (AI dominated), revisit standout clips from Tim Sanders, Tony Moroney, and Michael Quince, and debate whether security should've ranked higher. Scott shares candid reflections on what IT leaders are really grappling with—from shadow AI to the "butter" analogy that changed how we think about automation. Plus: Scott's bold predictions for 2026 and why the "mom test" matters more than ever. Essential listening for anyone who wants to understand where enterprise tech is actually headed. To find out how Bridgepointe Technologies helps businesses make IT decisions faster with world-class engineering support and ongoing guidance, head to https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/

In this episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka sits down with Sangoma’s Shane Cleckler and Jeff Martis to discuss the changing landscape of unified communications, why the hybrid model is thriving in a cloud-first world and how businesses can navigate digital transformation without losing local survivability. To find out how Bridgepointe Technologies helps businesses make IT decisions faster with world-class engineering support and ongoing guidance, head to https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/

In this live episode of The Bridgecast from the Bridgepointe Tech Summit in Miami, host Scott Kinka sits down with Christopher Bonavita, VP of Strategy and Technology Adoption at GTT, to explore why connectivity is your strategic foundation, not just a utility; how you can future-proof your network with AI-driven operational efficiency and simplified infrastructure; and the critical mistake most CIOs make when adopting AI (spoiler: it's about your processes, not your tools). Whether you're navigating hybrid work complexity, planning for AI at scale, or questioning what a "network" even means anymore, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to help you build infrastructure that enables rather than restricts your business. Tune in to discover why "doing less better" might be the boldest move your organization makes next. To find out how Bridgepointe Technologies helps businesses make IT decisions faster with world-class engineering support and ongoing guidance, head to https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/

In this live episode of The Bridgecast from the Bridgepointe Tech Summit 2025, host Scott Kinka sits down with Aaron Darcy, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Go-to-Market at Lumen, to explore how enterprises must evolve from network operators to transformation leaders. With experience spanning Microsoft, GE Digital, and now Lumen, Aaron reveals why 90% of IT projects still fail, shares the "run the business vs. change the business" budgeting framework that's guided his teams for 25 years, and breaks down Lumen's three-pillar strategy for building AI-ready network infrastructure. From dirty data problems to network fabric architecture, this conversation cuts through AI hype to focus on transformation fundamentals. Essential listening for CIOs, network architects, and infrastructure leaders navigating the shift to Cloud 2.0. To find out how Bridgepointe Technologies helps businesses make IT decisions faster with world-class engineering support and ongoing guidance, head to https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/

In this live episode of The Bridgecast from the Bridgepointe Tech Summit 2025, host Scott Kinka sits down with Chad Townes, Senior Vice President of AT&T Partner Solutions, to explore how enterprises are navigating the next wave of digital transformation. With over 30 years at AT&T, Chad shares insights into enterprise connectivity, AI-driven networking, and hybrid work—and reveals why curiosity is the most underrated leadership superpower. From FirstNet's purpose-built emergency response network to the fiber infrastructure powering AI data centers, this conversation cuts through the hype to discuss what's actually required to build resilience in an uncertain world. Essential listening for IT leaders, CTOs, and anyone building for the future. To find out how Bridgepointe Technologies helps businesses make IT decisions faster with world-class engineering support and ongoing guidance, head to https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/

In the second part of this live Tech Summit episode, Scott Kinka continues his conversation with Chris MacFarland and Gary Sorrentino, shifting focus from AI implementation challenges to the fundamental transformation of work itself. The discussion reveals how shadow IT has become an innovation driver, why five-generation workplaces are really about hybrid workers, and how AI coworkers and robots will create unprecedented cultural shifts in the next five years. To find out how Bridgepointe Technologies helps businesses make IT decisions faster with world-class engineering support and ongoing guidance, head to https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/.

In this live episode of The Bridgecast from the Bridgepointe Tech Summit, host Scott Kinka sits down with Chris MacFarland, Chief Development Officer of Comcast Business, and Gary Sorrentino, Global CIO of Zoom. They tackle the tough questions facing CIOs: how to manage spend while balancing significant investment in AI and cybersecurity. The panel cuts through the AI hype to discuss why many large-scale AI projects fail, why "download and go" strategies are doomed, and how to measure true AI success using metrics like customer satisfaction and employee efficiency. This conversation delivers practical, future-focused advice for IT leaders navigating the waves of digital transformation. To find out how Bridgepointe Technologies helps businesses make IT decisions faster with world-class engineering support and ongoing guidance, head to https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/

In this episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka sits down with Michael Quince, Regional Vice President of Partner Sales at NiCE, to explore how customer experience technology is evolving from robotic IVRs to human-centric AI. They discuss NiCE's acquisition of CognitG, the importance of partner ecosystems in AI adoption, and why "people first" should be every tech leader's mantra. From building culture within channel teams to helping customers overcome AI adoption fears, Michael shares practical insights on balancing cutting-edge innovation with genuine human connection. To find out how Bridgepointe Technologies helps businesses make IT decisions faster with world-class engineering support and ongoing guidance, head to https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/

In this episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka welcomes back Brian Eichman, Vice President of Business Development and Solution Architecture at CoreSite, to explore the revolutionary concept of "AI inference zones." From CoreSite's billion-dollar milestone to the shift from AI training to monetization, Brian breaks down how proximity, ecosystem partnerships, and hybrid infrastructure are reshaping the future of enterprise AI deployment. Essential listening for IT leaders navigating the transition from AI experimentation to production-scale implementation.

In this special Tech Summit episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka sits down with Neal Foard, principal of StoryFire and featured speaker at Bridgepointe's Tech Summit 2025 in Miami. From a daughter's baseball game cheer to boardroom presentations, Neal reveals how storytelling transforms technical leaders into trusted advisors. Whether you're preparing for budget meetings or building stakeholder relationships, this conversation offers practical frameworks for turning data into narratives that drive action and create lasting connections.

In this episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka sits down with Tony Moroney, Principal at The Digital Explorer, to explore the strategic implementation of AI in enterprise environments. Tony shares critical insights on avoiding "AI washing," orchestrating human and digital intelligence, and creating genuine customer-centric experiences through AI. Essential listening for leaders looking to move beyond AI experimentation to drive measurable business outcomes while navigating cultural, ethical, and governance challenges.

In this episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka sits down with Mike Pereira, Executive VP of Technology at Bridgepointe Technologies, to explore the evolving landscape of enterprise tech procurement. They dive into pressing challenges around AI adoption, security implementation, and the ongoing complexities of hybrid work technology. Whether you're grappling with AI integration, weighing security investments, or trying to streamline collaboration tools, this conversation offers practical insights for navigating today's rapid tech changes. Tune in to hear Mike's unique perspective on responsible innovation and why some technological advances may warrant careful consideration despite their capabilities.

In this episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka sits down with Tamanna Chanana, Campaign Program and Events Lead at Snowflake and host of the "Brand Talkies" podcast, to explore the critical intersection of marketing creativity and technical execution. From her self-described "T-shaped marketer" philosophy to her expertise in scaling marketing initiatives from scratch across brand awareness, demand generation, and field marketing, Tamanna shares practical strategies for building successful partnerships between marketing and IT teams in today's data-driven landscape.

In this special episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka goes live from the Northeast Contact Center Forum 2025 at Gillette Stadium to capture the pulse of the contact center community. Through candid conversations with industry leaders, we explore how AI is shifting from "foe to friend," why breaking down organizational silos has become mission-critical, and how the post-COVID workplace continues to reshape customer service delivery. From AI-powered knowledge management to the evolving challenges of remote work and agent burnout, this episode delivers unfiltered insights from the front lines of customer experience. Whether you're navigating staffing shortages, implementing new technology, or trying to get leadership buy-in for contact center initiatives, these conversations offer practical wisdom from those who've been there.

What if AI doesn’t take your job, but gives you a better one? In this episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka sits down with Arshad Hisham, founder and CEO of InGen Dynamics, to unpack why AI and robotics won’t replace the workforce, but redefine it. From debunking fears about job loss to explaining the power of governance-first AI adoption, Arshad offers a human-centric vision for automation. He shares how intuitive, ethical design, not just technical prowess, will shape success in industries like healthcare and education. For IT leaders and decision-makers, this episode is a timely roadmap to navigating the next wave of intelligent, responsible technology.

In this episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka sits down with Alistair Pidd, Professional Services Director at BCM One, to demystify the complex world of enterprise voice in the age of hybrid work. They unpack Microsoft Teams voice integration strategies, including Calling Plans, Direct Routing, and Operator Connect, while offering practical advice on contact center migrations, global architecture, and maintaining legacy workflows. From directory hygiene to Copilot’s emerging role in voice, Alistair shares invaluable insights for IT leaders navigating telephony modernization. Whether you're optimizing UCaaS or tackling compliance challenges, this episode is your guide to building a resilient, future-ready voice strategy.

In this episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka sits down with Indi Young, an Independent Qualitative Data Scientist, Coach, and Consultant. Together, they explore how deep listening and cognitive empathy can revolutionize enterprise technology decisions. Indi shares insights on moving beyond generic personas, embracing diverse thinking styles, and using qualitative data to serve all users better. Indi also shares her actionable frameworks, including the Mental Model Skyline, for designing systems that align with real user needs, offering a powerful alternative to fast but shallow innovation.

In this episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka sits down with Mark Tina, Head of Indirect Distribution at Verizon Business, about Verizon’s journey from telecom giant to tech solutions powerhouse. They discuss democratizing AI for small businesses, enhancing cybersecurity, and integrating tools like Microsoft Teams for seamless mobile communication. With practical tips for business leaders and insights from Mark’s 22-year career, this episode reveals how Verizon is helping companies thrive in an increasingly digital, hybrid work environment.

What if you could transform your customer experience while leveraging the power of AI and video? In this episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka and David McAbee sit down with Zoom’s CX team of Sean Fair and Shana Hafterson to explore Zoom’s transformation into a full-scale customer experience platform. They dive into how AI, video support, and unified communication tools are helping businesses cut resolution times by 50%, improve agent performance, and modernize contact centers. Get practical insights into the future of CX and what it takes to implement these technologies successfully.

In this episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka sits down with Tim Sanders who is a best selling author, AI Evangelist and VP of Research Insights at G2. We explored how leaders can approach AI as a human-first strategy rather than just a tech trend. From building organizational AI literacy to embracing optionality and leading with empathy, Tim shares a roadmap for thoughtful, effective AI adoption. If you’re a tech leader looking to innovate without losing the human touch, this conversation is your next must-listen.

Here’s The Bridgecast live from the NJ Sim event for a panel discussion on enterprise AI strategy.

Creating your network doesn’t have to be complicated. Here's Meter’s Anil Varanasi on what IT leaders should know about enterprise network structure.

In this episode of the Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka sits down with Jasmina Mueller and Brad Dupree to discuss the charitable organization Tech4Change. This organization brings together technology leaders to raise funds for various grassroots...

Can AI make business communication smarter and sales more human? Scott Kinka and Mike Kane from Dialpad break down the future of AI-driven conversations, tech partnerships, and the power of emotional intelligence in sales. They cover Dialpad’s...

Sometimes, we think that new tech can solve old problems. For instance, can AI help employees be better at processes that don't exist? This is just one of the questions we tackle on this episode of The Bridgecast. In this conclusion to The...

According to Sun Tzu, energy without strategy is chaos. This sentiment has never been more appropriate today, particularly concerning IT strategy and discussions around AI. In this year-end episode of The Bridgecast, Scott reflects on a...

Sports are a profoundly human experience—emotional, visceral, and passionately followed. While AI won’t replace athletes anytime soon, it’s increasingly shaping how fans engage with their favorite teams. In this episode of The Bridgecast, Scott...

A new year often means resolutions and plans for your business. And for 2025, one of those plans is likely focused on literally and figuratively getting your arms around your AI strategy. Making effective use of AI in 2025 means rewinding one...

How is AI transforming IT leadership? AI solves no problems by itself. But with the proper workflows and systems around it, it drives real-world ROI. Rather than replacing humans, it can enable the next level of cross-functional collaboration. ...

Is your business experiencing AI fatigue? Right now, AI is all anyone is talking about…but too many conversations are about tech and innovation when they should be about getting measurable outcomes. In this live episode of The Bridgecast, recorded...

There are five generations in the workforce today, and every one speaks, communicates, and collaborates differently. You have to meet them all where they are—generally in their homes behind screens. While your personal brand used to be based...

Have you ever noticed that being an entrepreneur and an IT leader require nearly the same skills? On this episode of the Bridgecast, Scott sits down with Ryan DiRocco, CTO of . We explore that intersection and how experience and mentorship play...

IT leaders, remember when your headquarters was the heart of your business network? You connected everything to it—offices, remote workers through VPNs, and kept security at the HQ. Then, the cloud arrived, and COVID changed everything....

When optimizing your cloud hyperscaler expenses, there’s a massive difference between workload optimization and rate optimization. We put tons of effort into the performance of our workloads to control usage, but far less attention is paid to how...

Information security and risk management are kind of like the chicken or the egg — what comes first? In this episode of The Bridgecast, Scott interviews Melanie Thomas, the at Bridgepointe. They discuss Melanie’s background, her transition to...

Every business book in the past 20 years has in some way talked about being customer-obsessed. And of course, to do that, you need to empower your employees to innovate. Mistakes be damned! However, some recent challenges with software updates to 80 %...

You’ve heard the old adage that everyone in business is in customer service or customer experience. Yet, legacy contact center software has been designed for one primary workflow — the customer service agent. This results in our approach to CX and...

As one of the early innovators in the hosted PBX space nearly twenty years ago, Peter offers countless insights on pre-integrated, self-contained user environments for remote work, collaboration, and innovation. partners with IT professionals to...

AI is igniting innovation in colocation and data center resources at a pace not seen in decades. But what do you need to know right now? In this episode of The Bridge, host Scott Kinka is joined by guest Ryan Mallory, COO at Flexential, to dive...

On this episode of The Bridge, I’m joined by Mike Nowak, ’s Chief Revenue Officer. We discuss how the Pure IP acquisition has been transformative for BCM One and much more. is a leading global provider of NextGen Communications and Managed...

On this episode of The Bridge, I’m joined by one of our team members, Saad Saleem, Senior Cloud Architect. We’re walking through the overarching impact of recent VMware changes on customers and service providers and exploring some VMware...

On this episode of The Bridge, I’m joined by two of our partners from : Hannah Duce, Director of Strategic Alliances and Kevin Carter, Product Director. We’re discussing the current state of affairs with the VMware evolution, optimizing VMWare...