Episode 7: Transforming Health and Building Resilience with Bryan Mundy and John Bishop In this special fitness-focused episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we welcome Bryan Mundy and John Bishop to share their inspiring journeys of health transformation, resilience, and discipline. From losing over 50 pounds to competing in bodybuilding shows, Bryan and John dive into the lessons they’ve learned through fitness and how these principles apply to every aspect of life. Key highlights include: Setting Bold Goals: John shares how his decision to compete in a bodybuilding show pushed him beyond his limits. Starting the Journey: Bryan talks about how, at 24, he lost over 50 pounds in just 5 months by committing to a healthier lifestyle. The Power of Discipline and Accountability: Both guests reflect on how consistency and support systems were key to their success. Resilience and Adaptability: Insights into overcoming obstacles and staying motivated through setbacks. Balancing Fitness with Life: Strategies for integrating health into demanding professional and personal lives. Whether you’re starting your fitness journey or looking for inspiration to take your goals to the next level, this episode offers actionable advice and motivating stories to help you prioritize health and resilience. 🎧 Listen now to learn from Bryan and John’s journeys and find your own path to success.

Episode 6: Strategic Vision, Resilience, and Tech Leadership with Bart Murphy In this episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we’re joined by Bart Murphy, CTIO of OCLC, who shares his invaluable perspective on effective leadership in the tech world. Bart’s career is grounded in guiding principles that have helped him navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful innovation. From his “Work Smart and Hard!” philosophy to his rule of “Never Waste a Catastrophe!”, Bart offers a roadmap for leaders at any stage of their journey. Key topics include: Working Smart and Hard: Bart emphasizes the power of combining effort with intelligence, a mindset that drives both efficiency and impactful outcomes. Expect Obstacles and Manage the Hype Cycle: Bart discusses the importance of embracing setbacks and evaluating the hype around emerging technologies carefully to ensure long-term success. Action Over Analysis: For Bart, forward progress takes priority. He shares how focusing on action and adaptability has enabled him to turn obstacles into growth opportunities. Data-Driven Decisions and Resilience: Learn how Bart makes critical decisions by balancing data insights with a resilient mindset, ensuring his teams are prepared to adapt quickly and strategically. If you’re looking for real-world advice on tackling tech challenges, building a resilient career, and leading with a strategic vision, Bart’s insights are invaluable. 🎧 Listen now to learn from Bart Murphy’s principles for achieving success, even in the most complex environments.

Episode 5: Leadership, Technology, and the Pursuit of Progress with Murali Sundararajan In this episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we are joined by Murali Sundararajan, EVP and CIO of Victoria’s Secret. Murali shares his journey from aspiring lawyer in India to leading IT for a global brand. Known for his logical mindset and commitment to lifelong learning, Murali opens up about the pivotal moments, mentors, and values that have shaped his career. In this episode, Murali dives into: Building Relationships and Leading with Empathy: Murali emphasizes the importance of building relationships when you don’t need them and shares insights into fostering trust and influence as a leader. Progress Over Perfection: He explains his “progress vs. perfection” philosophy, especially in the realm of data and AI, where constant change requires agility over static ideals. Embracing Change and the Future of AI: Murali highlights how AI and data are transforming industries and personal roles alike, sharing his thoughts on navigating these shifts with resilience and optimism. Murali’s story is a powerful reminder to stay adaptable, stay curious, and keep pushing forward. Whether you’re an IT professional, a leader, or simply passionate about growth, this episode offers actionable wisdom and insights into achieving long-term success. 🎧 Listen now to learn from Murali’s incredible journey and his views on the evolving intersection of leadership and technology.

Episode 4: Leadership, Innovation, and Responsible AI with Rehgan Bleile In this episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we’re joined by Rehgan Bleile, Co-Founder & CEO of AlignAI. Rehgan shares her inspiring journey from systems engineering to AI, reflecting on her role in shaping the field with a focus on responsible and ethical AI. She dives into her philosophy on leadership, her passion for learning, and the importance of building values-aligned cultures. Key topics include: - Lifelong Learning and Leadership: Rehgan’s belief in continuous learning fuels her approach to innovation and decision-making in a fast-evolving field. - Building Responsible AI: She emphasizes the importance of transparency, ethical design, and diverse voices in AI, ensuring that technology aligns with societal needs and values. - Workplace Culture and Alignment: At AlignAI, Rehgan leads with a focus on integrity and purpose, creating a values-driven team dedicated to meaningful, impact-driven work. Throughout, Rehgan offers valuable insights on managing the complexity of AI while remaining true to personal and professional ethics. Whether you’re passionate about AI, leadership, or the intersection of tech and humanity, this episode has something for everyone. 🎧 Tune in to explore Rehgan’s vision for a more responsible and innovative AI landscape.

In this episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we sit down with Warner Moore, Founder of GammaForce.io and Tech Community Coalition, and a true leader in the tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Warner shares his unique journey through the IT world, emphasizing the importance of leadership, risk-taking, and the concept of lifelong learning. Warner offers candid insights into how taking calculated risks can lead to success, how building meaningful relationships has been key in his entrepreneurial ventures, and why the tech community is about much more than just technology - it’s about people. He dives into the value of giving without expecting immediate returns and how this has shaped his career. He also reflects on how passion fuels long-term success, saying that if you’re not passionate about what you’re doing, it’ll be a long, hard slog. Beyond business and tech, Warner shares his passion for skiing, his love for travel, and how adventure has enriched his personal and professional life. 🎧 Listen now to hear Warner’s thoughts on leadership, community, risk management, and the future of the tech world!

Episode 2: AI, Leadership, and Lifelong Learning with Srini Koushik

In this 90-minute episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, Srini Koushik, President of AI and Sustainability at Rackspace, shares his profound insights on AI’s integration into business processes, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of learning. Srini emphasizes that AI—even with its challenges—is “good enough” to be embedded in today’s business operations and can offer transformative value.

Srini also delves into his life philosophy, quoting: “Live like you're going to die tomorrow, learn like you're going to live forever,” and explains how this mindset fuels both his personal and professional growth. Passionate about responsible AI and sustainability, Srini reflects on his commitment to making technology a force for good in the world.

Beyond tech, Srini opens up about his love for travel -having visited 68 countries and counting - and how immersing himself in diverse cultures deepens his empathy and curiosity. He also shares his favorite song, “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, which resonates with his optimistic view of humanity and the future.

Tune in for a deep dive into AI, leadership lessons, and how continuous learning is essential to thriving in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

🎧 Listen now and be inspired by Srini’s wisdom, experiences, and unique perspective on building a better future with technology.

In our very first episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we sit down with Ben Blanquera, VP of Technology and Sustainability at Rackspace and a giant in the Silicon Heartland tech community. Ben shares invaluable insights on personal and professional development, the power of collaboration, and how to turn failures into opportunities. From leadership lessons to navigating the fast-changing tech landscape, Ben’s wisdom is not to be missed. Join us for an authentic conversation that will inspire you to take action, learn, and grow. Tune in now to kickstart your journey of growth and innovation!

Welcome to Silicon Heartland Sessions!

In this trailer episode, we introduce you to the podcast that goes beyond the usual tech talk. Get a sneak peek into authentic conversations with top tech leaders, as we explore personal growth, leadership lessons, career-defining moments, and the technologies shaping our future. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this podcast is your gateway to meaningful insights from the people driving innovation in the Silicon Heartland.

Tune in and be inspired!