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Tech Legacies

Fanny Dunagan

Want to get ahead in the tech industry? Want tech insights? Join host Fanny Dunagan as top executives share their untold stories about their tech careers, reveal what lessons they've learned, and offer advice for professionals who hope to get ahead. Are you motivated? Looking for career growth? Then make sure you follow this show.

Get tips from tech executives from AT&T, FedEx, Verizon, Hasbro, Textron, and EY. Discover strategies for technology and team culture. Learn about the importance of innovation and how it drives company culture. Enjoy personal stories and leadership advice. Gain valuable leadership skills and explore new ideas.

If you want to succeed in tech, then Tech Legacies with Fanny Dunagan is for you!

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S4 · E7
Today · 3 min
Make AI Governance “Fisher-Price Simple” - Tiffany Benitez | E07a
When AI governance feels complicated, people get lost, and when people get lost, they push it away. In this clip from the Tech Legacies Podcast, host Fanny Dunagan asks Tiffany Benitez, Head of Data and AI Governance and President and Founder of Women in Technology in Northwest Arkansas, to explain AI governance to an elementary school kid. Her answer: AI is a tool, and these are the rules we put around it to make sure it behaves safely and does what we want it to do. Like a smart helper in the class, not everything it gives back will be right, so we still need to check. In this conversation, Tiffany shares: Why governance has long been treated as an afterthought, and why AI brought it to the forefront Why there is no clear template or certification to follow this time How she crafted her own role after seeing a gap and offering to help lead the solution The difference between governing data and governing AI, and why running governance at a company that is not regulated looks very different Why relationships and understanding business strategy matter so much in this work How she stays informed by showing up at conferences and locking arms with other companies to learn what is working What is one rule you would put around AI at your workplace? Connect with Tiffany Benitez on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-benitez-csm-safe-itil-65ba64126/ Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/ Links to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/techlegacies ------------------------- Huge thank you to the sponsors and partners of the #TechLegacies podcast. Hit that FOLLOW button on their pages for the latest updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cginfinity/ - IT Consulting Services, especially in energy and Salesforce https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunnablack/ - Executive Coach and & Heart-Centered Leadership https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ - IT recruitment and managed services https://www.linkedin.com/company/techcxolaunchpad/ - Program to elevate you to senior leadership and C-Suite https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketscale/ - For your studio recording needs and platform for user content
S4 · E7
October 20 · 1 hr 7 min
How to build #1 competitive advantage in AI world - from Fortune 500 Head of AI Governance - Tiffany Benitez | E07
Your AI is only as smart as your data. So why is data governance still an afterthought? In this Tech Legacies conversation, host Fanny Dunagan sits down with Tiffany Benitez, Head of Data and AI governance across multiple Fortune 100 companies, and founder of Women+ in Technology of Northwest Arkansas. They unpack what it really takes to make AI work in the enterprise.From Bank of America to Walmart, Lowe's, and Tyson Foods, Tiffany has seen what happens when companies race to adopt AI without clean, trusted data. Tiffany breaks down AI governance in plain English, why most companies get ROI wrong, and why Fanny says we're "building the parachute as we're falling from the plane." Plus, she gets candid about the "broken rung" pushing women out of tech at the senior manager level, how she built an 11-chapter community from scratch, and the mindset shift every IT leader needs to go from service provider to trusted partner. Her closing message? "Do it afraid." In this episode: 🔹Why garbage data = garbage AI — and how to make data cool again 🔹The simple way to explain AI governance to anyone 🔹The #1 mistake CIOs make with AI ROI 🔹How to build influence through relationships, not just tech skills 🔹Inside the movement training girls to get AI certifications Connect with Tiffany Benitez on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-benitez-csm-safe-itil-65ba64126/ Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/ Links to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/techlegacies ------------------------- Huge thank you to the sponsors and partners of the #TechLegacies podcast. Hit that FOLLOW button on their pages for the latest updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cginfinity/ - IT Consulting Services, especially in energy and Salesforce https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunnablack/ - Executive Coach and & Heart-Centered Leadership https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ - IT recruitment and managed services https://www.linkedin.com/company/techcxolaunchpad/ - Program to elevate you to senior leadership and C-Suite https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketscale/ - For your studio recording needs and platform for user content
S4 · E6
October 6 · 1 hr 1 min
How Dallas AI Grew to 10,000 Members: The Origin Story with Aamer and Babar | E06a
In this episode, Fanny sits down with Aamer Charania and Babar Bhatti, the co-founders of Dallas AI, to hear how a small idea grew into a community of more than 10,000 members. Aamer shares how it all began in late 2017, when neural networks and deep learning were taking off. He was looking for practitioners to learn from, but many of the groups he found were tied to a company or provider, which made it hard to stay focused on education instead of sales. So he started his own group. More than 100 people signed up in the first week, and he nearly shut it down before his wife encouraged him to find a partner instead. Babar then shares why he joined as co-founder, what he saw in that moment of change, and how the two of them committed to a clear mission from day one: education, no sales pitch, and a community where people can connect. They also talk about the early days of carrying water bottles up multiple floors, hunting for affordable pizza, and welcoming beginners alongside experienced practitioners. Learn more about Dallas AI: https://dallas-ai.org Links to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/techlegacies ------------------------- Huge thank you to the sponsors and partners of the #TechLegacies podcast. Hit that FOLLOW button on their pages for the latest updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cginfinity/ - IT Consulting Services, especially in energy and Salesforce https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunnablack/ - Executive Coach and & Heart-Centered Leadership https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ - IT recruitment and managed services https://www.linkedin.com/company/techcxolaunchpad/ - Program to elevate you to senior leadership and C-Suite https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketscale/ - For your studio recording needs and platform for user content
S4 · E6
September 22 · 1 hr 1 min
How to Future-Proof Your Career in the AI Era - Dallas AI Founders | E06
Navigating the AI Era with Dallas AI Co-Founders In this episode of the Tech Legacies podcast, host Fanny Dunagan sits down with Aamer Charania - Founding President & Chief AI Officer at Dallas AI, and Babar Bhatti - Chief AI Officer at Prism & Co-Founder of Dallas AI. Founded in late 2017, Dallas AI has grown into a thriving non-profit community with over 10,000 members dedicated to unbiased, pitch-free AI education. In this episode, they discuss: The Dallas AI Origin Story: How a small idea to share deep learning knowledge turned into a 10,000+ member organization. The AI Revolution: What surprised them most about the rise of ChatGPT and the rapid democratization of AI. Job Disruption & Workplace Mindset: How AI is reshaping workflows, automating tasks, and why everybody needs to unlearn old habits and adapt. Enterprise & Retail Trends: How AI is moving from standard searches to personalized advisory roles for consumers. Advice for Executives & Startups: Key strategies for demonstrating ROI, calculating value vs. cost, and using responsible AI as a tool to move faster safely. Personal Career Lessons: From engineering roots to overcoming career mistakes, finding time for continuous learning, and defining their lasting legacy. 🔗 Learn more about Dallas AI: https://dallas-ai.org ----------------------------- Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/ Links to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/techlegacies ------------------------- Huge thank you to the sponsors and partners of the #TechLegacies podcast. Hit that FOLLOW button on their pages for the latest updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cginfinity/ - IT Consulting Services, especially in energy and Salesforce https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunnablack/ - Executive Coach and & Heart-Centered Leadership https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ - IT recruitment and managed services https://www.linkedin.com/company/techcxolaunchpad/ - Program to elevate you to senior leadership and C-Suite https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketscale/ - For your studio recording needs and platform for user content Work with our podcast team at PathLynks: info@pathlynks.com 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you 0:00 The Origins of a Tech Community 1:51 Meet the Visionaries Behind the Mission 5:07 The Spark That Ignited the Movement 11:00 The Turning Point of Democratization 16:30 Addressing the Fear of Job Displacement 23:07 Childhood Curiosity and Tech Roots 37:07 Solving Business Problems with AI 45:34 Retail Transformation and Future Trends
S4 · E5
September 1 · 3 min
Virality Is the New Product | E05a
You can build the best product in the world. But if nobody knows about it, does it really matter? In this conversation, Dan shares a powerful perspective on what separates startups that simply build from startups that actually succeed: “At the end of the day, it comes down to not the best idea, but I would say the best distribution.” He goes even further: “Virality is actually a product nowadays.” For founders, this changes the conversation. It’s not enough to have a great idea or impressive technology. You need to know how to get in front of customers, create attention, go to market, and ultimately build a business. Because the best product doesn’t always win. Sometimes, the best-known product does. 🎙️ Watch the full conversation to hear Dan’s take on distribution, virality, product-market fit, and what founders need to think about beyond the product itself. Links to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/techlegacies ------------------------- Huge thank you to the sponsors and partners of the #TechLegacies podcast. Hit that FOLLOW button on their pages for the latest updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cginfinity/ - IT Consulting Services, especially in energy and Salesforce https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunnablack/ - Executive Coach and & Heart-Centered Leadership https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ - IT recruitment and managed services https://www.linkedin.com/company/techcxolaunchpad/ - Program to elevate you to senior leadership and C-Suite https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketscale/ - For your studio recording needs and platform for user content
S4 · E5
August 18 · 1 hr 2 min
The Real Reason Startups Die (It's Not the Product) - Dan Sinawat | E05
Dan Sinawat has watched hundreds of founders fall in love with their product and forget the one thing that actually decides if a startup survives: can anyone find it? In this episode of Tech Legacies, Dan — founder of AI CONNEX and CEO of VC ARENA — breaks down why "the best idea" almost never wins, what he tells founders who show up to pitch meetings without an MVP, and why virality itself has become a product in the AI era. We get into: → Why "everybody can build the app" is the new normal — and why that's a problem → The Cluely story: how a founder went viral with no real product and raised millions → Why AI is 95% business problem, 5% tech problem → What it actually takes to go from idea to Fortune 100 customer without outside capital → Why VCs are quietly stepping back from funding traditional SaaS → The "services as software" model — and a real example of how the economics work → What "outcome-based" pricing actually looks like in practice → Why understanding the business problem matters more than the tech stack → His two-year window for founders to capture the shift before the landscape changes again If you're building something right now and quietly wondering whether the product or the go-to-market is going to make or break you — this one's for you. ----------------------------- Connect with Dan Sinawat on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dansinawat/ Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/ Links to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/techlegacies ------------------------- Huge thank you to the sponsors and partners of the #TechLegacies podcast. Hit that FOLLOW button on their pages for the latest updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cginfinity/ - IT Consulting Services, especially in energy and Salesforce https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunnablack/ - Executive Coach and & Heart-Centered Leadership https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ - IT recruitment and managed services https://www.linkedin.com/company/techcxolaunchpad/ - Program to elevate you to senior leadership and C-Suite https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketscale/ - For your studio recording needs and platform for user content
S4 · E4
July 28 · 2 min
How AI Frees Clinicians | E04a
Clinicians didn’t go into healthcare to spend hours on paperwork, but many still spend 30–40% of their day on documentation, chart reviews, and administrative tasks. In this episode of Tech Legacies, Dalia Powers explains how AI is transforming healthcare by reducing administrative work by as much as 80%, giving clinicians more time to focus on what matters most: their patients. Dalia and host Fanny Dunagan also discuss: • How AI improves access to healthcare in underserved communities • Why AI is a powerful assistant, not a replacement for clinicians • How telehealth and AI are expanding access to quality care • Reducing clinician burnout through smarter workflows • Why AI allows healthcare professionals to operate at the top of their license If you’re interested in AI, healthcare innovation, digital transformation, or technology leadership, this conversation is packed with valuable insights. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with technology leaders shaping the future. Links to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/techlegacies ------------------------- Huge thank you to the sponsors and partners of the #TechLegacies podcast. Hit that FOLLOW button on their pages for the latest updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cginfinity/ - IT Consulting Services, especially in energy and Salesforce https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunnablack/ - Executive Coach and & Heart-Centered Leadership https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ - IT recruitment and managed services https://www.linkedin.com/company/techcxolaunchpad/ - Program to elevate you to senior leadership and C-Suite https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketscale/ - For your studio recording needs and platform for user content
S4 · E4
July 21 · 56 min
Fortune 500 CIO on the AI Mistakes Everyone’s Making - Dalia Powers | E04
AI is reshaping healthcare, but according to Fortune 50 CIO Dalia Powers, the technology itself is the easy part. The real challenge? Building the data infrastructure and governance guardrails that make AI trustworthy — and the cultural transformation that makes innovation stick. In this episode of Tech Legacies, host Fanny Dunagan sits down with Dalia Powers, whose CIO career spans IBM, Dell EMC, Capital One, and Humana. Dalia shares why she believes "governance is what gives us the license to go fast," how her team is exploring digital twins for predictive health, and why she's convinced that culture doesn't just eat strategy for breakfast — it eats technology for lunch, too. This conversation goes far beyond the server room. Dalia opens up about her journey from software engineer to the C-suite, the moment she learned to measure team sentiment instead of just KPIs, and why today's CIOs are finding themselves in sales and marketing meetings. "Technology is the table now," she says. If you're an aspiring tech leader, a professional navigating AI transformation, or someone who believes the best leaders invest in people above all else, this episode is for you. ----------------------------- Connect with Dalia Powers on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/daliapowers/ Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/ Links to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/techlegacies ------------------------- Huge thank you to the sponsors and partners of the #TechLegacies podcast. Hit that FOLLOW button on their pages for the latest updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cginfinity/ - IT Consulting Services, especially in energy and Salesforce https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunnablack/ - Executive Coach and & Heart-Centered Leadership https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ - IT recruitment and managed services https://www.linkedin.com/company/techcxolaunchpad/ - Program to elevate you to senior leadership and C-Suite https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketscale/ - For your studio recording needs and platform for user content
S4 · E3
June 16 · 2 min
They Run Phishing Attacks On Their Own Staff | E03b
Most companies try to prevent phishing attacks. Mastercard runs phishing attacks on its own employees. In this clip, Jon Brickey discusses how Mastercard keeps its teams prepared through monthly phishing simulations, capture-the-flag competitions, cyber defense exercises, and large-scale crisis response training. From friendly competitions and pizza parties to realistic cyberattack scenarios involving major corporations and government agencies, cybersecurity readiness requires more than technology. It requires practice. Topics discussed: • Why Mastercard runs monthly phishing simulations • How employees are rewarded for identifying malicious emails • What capture-the-flag cybersecurity competitions look like • How red teams and blue teams train together • The role of CISOs and incident response leaders during cyber crises • Why collaboration between industry and government is critical during cyber events • How organizations prepare for attacks they know will eventually happen Cybersecurity isn’t just about defending systems. It’s about preparing people. If you could implement one cybersecurity training exercise at your company, what would it be? ----------------------------- Connect with Jon Brickey on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjonbrickey/ Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/ Links to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/techlegacies ------------------------- Huge thank you to the sponsors and partners of the #TechLegacies podcast. Hit that FOLLOW button on their pages for the latest updates: 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/cginfinity/ - IT Consulting Services, especially in energy and Salesforce 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunnablack/ - Executive Coach and & Heart-Centered Leadership 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ - IT recruitment and managed services 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/techcxolaunchpad/ - Program to elevate you to senior leadership and C-Suite 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketscale/ - For your studio recording needs and platform for user content 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you
S4 · E3
June 9 · 2 min
I Bet You Didn’t Know This About Mastercard | E03a
Most people think Mastercard is a credit card company. It’s not. At least, not anymore. On a recent episode of Tech Legacies, Jon Brickey shared a perspective that may surprise many leaders: Mastercard is fundamentally a technology company operating in the payments industry. While its iconic logo is visible on billions of cards worldwide, Mastercard’s role extends far beyond consumer transactions. The company builds, maintains, and operates the network that connects consumers, merchants, financial institutions, governments, and businesses across a global ecosystem. Even more interesting, traditional payment networks now account for only about 60% of Mastercard’s business. The remaining 40% comes from services, including cybersecurity, threat intelligence, risk management, and fraud protection. Through strategic acquisitions and innovation, Mastercard has expanded its reach far beyond payments to help organizations better understand and manage risk. It’s a powerful reminder that the companies we think we know are often evolving far faster than public perception. What company surprised you when you learned what they actually do behind the scenes? ----------------------------- Connect with Jon Brickey on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjonbrickey/ Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/ Links to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/techlegacies ------------------------- Huge thank you to the sponsors and partners of the #TechLegacies podcast. Hit that FOLLOW button on their pages for the latest updates: 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/cginfinity/ - IT Consulting Services, especially in energy and Salesforce 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunnablack/ - Executive Coach and & Heart-Centered Leadership 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ - IT recruitment and managed services 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/techcxolaunchpad/ - Program to elevate you to senior leadership and C-Suite 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketscale/ - For your studio recording needs and platform for user content 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you
S4 · E3
June 2 · 1 hr 4 min
Future of Cybersecurity: Mastercard Executive & Former NSA Leader's Predictions
What is at risk with cybersecurity, now and into the future? In this episode, Tech Legacies Host, Fanny Dunagan sits down with Jon Brickey, SVP at Mastercard and former NSA leader, to talk about the future of cybersecurity and lessons from military leadership. From discovering his hacking instincts as a kid on a TRS-80, to leading cyber strategy at the NSA post-9/11, to building an elite team that Fortune 500 leader calls "the best training I've ever received" — Jon's journey is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and staying ahead of digital threats. In this episode, you'll learn: 🔐 Why cyber is now the 5th domain of warfare — and what it means for every business 🪖 The military leadership principle ("leaders eat last") that transformed Jon's management style 🤖 Why AI gives hackers a dangerous edge — and how elite defenders are fighting back 🧠 The "mood of zeal" framework that replaced fear with passion in their cybersecurity team 💼 Career advice for every stage — from hands on analyst to executive cybersecurity leader Whether you're a tech professional, aspiring executive, or curious about the invisible war being fought online every day — this conversation will change how you think about cybersecurity and leadership. ----------------------------- Connect with Jon Brickey on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjonbrickey/ Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/ Links to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/techlegacies ------------------------- Huge thank you to the sponsors and partners of the #TechLegacies podcast. Hit that FOLLOW button on their pages for the latest updates: 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/cginfinity/ - IT Consulting Services, especially in energy and Salesforce 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunnablack/ - Executive Coach and & Heart-Centered Leadership 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ - IT recruitment and managed services 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/techcxolaunchpad/ - Program to elevate you to senior leadership and C-Suite 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketscale/ - For your studio recording needs and platform for user content 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you
S4 · E2
May 28 · 2 min
The One AI Skill That Makes You Irreplaceable | E02f
Artificial intelligence is transforming how businesses operate but it doesn’t have to make people obsolete. In this segment of Tech Legacies, Ben Coan, Managing Director & Head of Managed Services at Odyssey Information Services, shares practical advice for both employees and employers navigating the AI era. Ben explains why the best professionals won’t resist AI, they’ll learn how to use it to become more valuable. Instead of fearing replacement, tech professionals should embrace AI tools, improve their workflows, and help their organizations adapt. At the same time, leaders need to recognize and retain the people who evolve with technology. After all, businesses are still built on relationships, collaboration, and human insight. Those are things AI can’t replace. Ben also highlights an overlooked challenge many companies face today: legacy systems and undocumented processes. Without proper documentation, training, and knowledge transfer, organizations risk losing critical operational knowledge as experienced workers retire. In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why learning AI is key to staying valuable in your career How leaders should support employees adapting to AI The hidden risk of legacy systems and undocumented processes Why human relationships still drive business success even in the AI era If you're a tech professional, CIO, or business leader, this discussion offers practical insight on how to adapt, evolve, and stay relevant as AI reshapes the workplace. 👍 Subscribe for more conversations on technology leadership, careers in tech, and the human side of innovation from Tech Legacies. ----------------------------- Connect with Odyssey Information Services on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/ 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-legacies/id1704049511 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/461kEaQZGqHoAl1nv3W4qe?si=99210e2bad89449a Tech Legacies Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techlegacies/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tech_legacies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/techlegacies Work with our podcast team at PathLynks: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pathlynks-llc/ 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you
S4 · E2
May 25 · 11 min
The Sourcing Strategy That Gets People Hired (Not Applications) | E02e
Submitting 257 applications and hearing crickets? You're doing it wrong. In this segment of Tech Legacies, host Fanny Dunagan sits down with the team from Odyssey Information Services, Kristin Hughes (2021 SourceCon Grand Master Challenge Winner), Jon Hibbs, and Ben Coan, to pull back the curtain on how elite recruiters actually find candidates, what's broken in today's job market, and the unconventional moves that get people hired. You'll hear: - What "sourcing" really is and why the best recruiters work more like Sherlock Holmes than HR - The wild story of how Kristin tracked down a software engineer who had hidden every trace of his contact info online - The Home Depot Garden Center hack. How one product manager got into a company's internal job portal by taking a frontline job first - Why AI-written resumes are getting candidates rejected (and the proofreading rule that saves you) - The future of IT, AI, and why human connection is making a comeback - Real leadership lessons from 25+ years of building tech teams - The legacy each leader wants to leave behind If you're job hunting, hiring, or building a career in tech, this conversation is packed with tactical advice you won't hear anywhere else. ----------------------------- Connect with Odyssey Information Services on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/ 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-legacies/id1704049511 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/461kEaQZGqHoAl1nv3W4qe?si=99210e2bad89449a Tech Legacies Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techlegacies/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tech_legacies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/techlegacies Work with our podcast team at PathLynks: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pathlynks-llc/ 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you
S4 · E2
May 21 · 3 min
The Job Search Mistake Recruiters See Every Day | E02d
Sending hundreds of job applications and hearing nothing back can feel frustrating and discouraging. But according to recruiters, that strategy may actually be part of the problem. In this segment of Tech Legacies Podcast, Kristin Hughes, Director of Recruiting, shares practical advice for candidates navigating today’s competitive job market. Kristin explains why the old strategy of applying everywhere often leads to burnout and disappointment. Instead, candidates should focus on intentional, targeted outreach, getting clear on their “why,” researching companies they truly want to work for, and finding creative ways to stand out. She also shares a memorable story about a product manager who struggled to get interviews for months. Rather than giving up, she took an unconventional step that ultimately helped her get noticed by the company she wanted to work for. In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why applying to hundreds of jobs can actually hurt your chances How to target the right companies and roles Why using AI tools carefully can help in your job search Creative ways to stand out in a crowded hiring market If you’re a tech professional, job seeker, or career changer, this discussion offers fresh perspective on how to approach your job search with more intention and creativity. 👍 Subscribe for more conversations on careers in technology, leadership insights, and the human side of tech from Tech Legacies. ----------------------------- Connect with Odyssey Information Services on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/ 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-legacies/id1704049511 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/461kEaQZGqHoAl1nv3W4qe?si=99210e2bad89449a Tech Legacies Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techlegacies/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tech_legacies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/techlegacies Work with our podcast team at PathLynks: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pathlynks-llc/ 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you
S4 · E2
May 18 · 15 min
Why Employees Stay 25+ Years at This Company (And Why AI Can't Replace Them) | E02b
What does it take to build a company where people stay for 18, 25, even 30+ years? In this segment, Odyssey founder Jon Hibbs sits down with longtime team members Ben Coan and Kristin Hughes to reveal the leadership philosophy behind one of the staffing and managed services industry's most loyal teams, and why human trust still wins in an AI-driven world. We dig into: Why Odyssey eliminated sales territories (and what happened next) How treating every role like "your own business" drives entrepreneurial ownership The team-based delivery model that turned a single consultant into a full managed services engagement with a Fortune 10 retail pharmacy The simple Friday email habit that builds candidate trust for a decade Why AI can find resumes, but can't replace relationships The legacy documentation crisis quietly threatening 75% of enterprise companies Ben's blunt advice for employers: hold onto the people who got you there Whether you're a CEO building culture, a recruiter navigating an AI-flooded market, or a professional wondering what makes a workplace worth staying at. This conversation is full of practical wisdom from leaders who've actually done it. ----------------------------- Connect with Odyssey Information Services on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/ 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-legacies/id1704049511 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/461kEaQZGqHoAl1nv3W4qe?si=99210e2bad89449a Tech Legacies Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techlegacies/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tech_legacies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/techlegacies Work with our podcast team at PathLynks: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pathlynks-llc/ 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you
S4 · E2
May 14 · 3 min
What is IT Managed Services? And Why Smart Companies Are Using It | E02b
Many companies today are not actually in the business of IT, yet IT ends up consuming enormous time, money, and leadership attention. In this segment of Tech Legacies, Ben Coan, Managing Director & Head of Managed Services at Odyssey Information Services, explains how managed services help organizations shift their focus back to what matters most: running and growing their core business. Ben shares how many companies struggle with fragmented IT environments where infrastructure, applications, and database teams don’t communicate effectively. Managed services create a team-based support model that fills gaps, improves collaboration, and provides experienced experts behind the scenes. Instead of relying on a single consultant, organizations gain access to an entire bench of trusted specialists who can support operations, identify risks, and strengthen IT systems over the long term. In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why many companies get pulled away from their core business by IT complexity What managed services actually mean beyond traditional IT support How a team-based delivery model helps close technology gaps Why trust and long-term relationships are essential in managed services partnerships If you're a CIO, IT leader, or business executive, this conversation will help you rethink how IT support can evolve from a burden into a strategic advantage. 👍 Subscribe for more conversations on careers in technology, leadership insights, and the human side of tech from Tech Legacies. ______________________ Connect with Odyssey Information Services on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/ 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-legacies/id1704049511 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/461kEaQZGqHoAl1nv3W4qe?si=99210e2bad89449a Tech Legacies Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techlegacies/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tech_legacies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/techlegacies Work with our podcast team at PathLynks: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pathlynks-llc/ 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you
S4 · E2
May 11 · 13 min
Microsoft, Meta & Amazon Layoffs: What's Really Happening to Tech Jobs in 2026 | E02a
Microsoft. Dell. Meta. Salesforce. Amazon just cut 16,000 white-collar jobs. The headlines scream AI layoffs. But what's REALLY happening behind the scenes in tech hiring? In this candid roundtable, three industry insiders pull back the curtain on the 2026 tech job market: 🔹 Kristin Hughes reveals what's actually getting hired (and why "post and pray" job hunting is dead) 🔹 Ben Coan exposes the sleeper opportunities most candidates are missing, including the legacy tech crisis that could be your goldmine 🔹 Jon Hibbs shares what's keeping CIOs awake at night and the 3 pressures shaping every hiring decision Whether you're a job seeker drowning in rejection emails, an employer trying to build the right team, or a tech professional planning your next move. This conversation will change how you think about the AI disruption. 💡 You'll learn: ✅ Which roles are still hiring (and which are quietly dying) ✅ The unexpected "trade jobs" boom inside the AI revolution ✅ Why legacy systems = job security in disguise ✅ The video reference trick that's landing offers in this market ✅ How managed services is reshaping IT employment ----------------------------- Connect with Odyssey Information Services on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/ 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-legacies/id1704049511 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/461kEaQZGqHoAl1nv3W4qe?si=99210e2bad89449a Tech Legacies Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techlegacies/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tech_legacies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/techlegacies Work with our podcast team at PathLynks: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pathlynks-llc/ 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you
S4 · E2
May 4 · 52 min
Mastering Job Search Amongst AI Layoffs
AI is replacing jobs. Tech layoffs are making headlines. So why do the most successful tech companies say relationships matter MORE than ever? In this episode of Tech Legacies, host Fanny Dunagan sits down with the team from Odyssey Information Services: Jon Hibbs (CEO), Kristin Hughes (Director of Recruiting), and Ben Cohen (Managing Director of Managed Services) to unpack what's really happening in the tech job market and what it takes to build a 25-year company on trust. What you'll learn in this episode: The truth behind the AI layoffs: what's actually being cut and what's still hiring strong Why "post and pray" is officially dead for both job seekers AND employers The #1 thing CIOs say keeps them up at night What "managed services" really means and why more companies are turning to it The overlooked tech opportunity almost no one is talking about 3 actionable job search tips from a recruiter who's seen it all How Odyssey built a culture where top talent stays for 18–25 years (and why that's rare) Whether you're a tech leader navigating transformation, a job seeker trying to stand out in a crowded market, or a business owner wondering how to scale your IT without losing your focus, this conversation has something for you. ----------------------------- Connect with Odyssey Information Services on LinkedIn at / odyssey-information-services Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at / fannydunagan 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4kr4wpi Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Mo11mN Tech Legacies Socials: Instagram: / techlegacies TikTok: / tech_legacies Facebook: / techlegacies Work with our podcast team at PathLynks: / pathlynks-llc 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you
S4 · E1
April 23 · 3 min
They Laughed at His Accent… Now He Teaches Others | Marine to CIO Journey | E01f
What happens when your biggest fear becomes your greatest strength? In this episode of Tech Legacies, Jorge Cardenas, CIO of Brownsville shares his journey from being an 11-year-old immigrant who was afraid to speak… to becoming a Marine Corps instructor and confident leader. He opens up about: Growing up as one of the only Mexican students in his school Being laughed at for his accent—and choosing silence Joining the Marine Corps while still struggling with confidence The moment he faced his fear and chose to become an instructor How over-preparation became his superpower This is more than a story about language. It’s about identity, resilience, and finding your voice. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong… this one will stay with you.
S4 · E1
April 20 · 23 min
What Smart Cities Will Look Like by 2030 | A CIO’s Vision for the Future | E01e
What will cities look like in the next 5, 10, or 15 years? In this Tech Legacies conversation, Brownsville CIO Jorge Cardenas shares his vision for the future of smart cities and how technology will reshape the way people live, move, and access services. From autonomous transportation to AI-powered city operations, the next generation of cities will be built on connectivity, data, and intelligent infrastructure. But technology alone is not the answer. Jorge explains why cities must modernize their foundations today, why connectivity is the backbone of future growth, and why people and imagination will still play a critical role in shaping what comes next. In this episode you will learn: • What smart cities could look like by 2030 and 2040 • Why connectivity and digital infrastructure are essential for growth • How autonomous transportation and AI will reshape city services • Why cities must modernize or risk falling behind • How the workforce must adapt and upskill for the AI era • Why leadership and service to the community still matter most The future of cities is not just about technology. It is about how people use technology to build better communities.

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