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In this episode of The Route to Networking, Holly Staff is joined by Rekha Shenoy, CEO of BackBox, who shares her journey across networking, enterprise software and cybersecurity. From starting out as a computer engineer to working across product management, marketing, sales, finance and engineering, Rekha explores how understanding the fundamentals has shaped her career and why genuine technical expertise matters more than ever in the age of AI.

Rekha discusses how cloud, cybersecurity, automation and AI are transforming networking, why AI is unlikely to replace network engineers and how automation can instead help professionals move away from repetitive tasks and focus on higher-level decision-making. She also explores the growing importance of network automation, the evolving cybersecurity landscape and why professionals should build deep expertise in one or two areas before using AI to broaden their skills.

The episode closes with a quick-fire round covering the future of infrastructure, cybersecurity, emerging technology trends and the advice Rekha would give to students and young professionals entering the industry. Her message is simple: build strong foundations, stay curious, keep learning and don't let the fear of AI stop you from building your career.

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In this episode of The Route to Networking: Military Leavers Edition, host Jamie Maher, Head of AI Infrastructure at Hamilton Barnes, sits down with Chris Duffy, Managing Director and Chief AI Officer at Ignite AI Solutions, to explore his journey from the Royal Corps of Signals into technology, AI and entrepreneurship. After more than two decades in the military, Chris shares how his experience shaped his approach to leadership, adaptability and problem-solving, and how discovering AI changed the direction of his career.

Chris discusses the realities of transitioning from military life into the civilian world, including the challenge of moving from a structured environment into one where you have to create your own direction. He explores the importance of recognising transferable military skills, embracing unfamiliar environments and learning to take responsibility for creating opportunities.

The conversation also covers how ChatGPT sparked Chris's interest in AI, his experiences working in the civilian world and the journey that eventually led him to build his own AI business. Chris shares practical advice for service leavers, from starting their transition early and building a network before they need it, to exploring new industries and being open to creating a career that doesn't follow the obvious path.

The episode closes with a quick-fire round covering leadership, AI, entrepreneurship and military transition, including the advice Chris would give his younger self and what he is most proud of achieving since leaving the Army.

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In this episode of The Route to Networking, Till Heinimann is joined by Nicholas Desilas, who shares his journey from ten years in the military to building a career in technology sales. From facing rejection when trying to break into the industry to becoming a leader and mentor, Nicholas reflects on why drive, attitude and mindset can matter more than your background.

He explores how military experience can translate into a career in tech, the importance of investing in yourself and why building genuine relationships is key to becoming a trusted adviser. Nicholas also discusses the impact of AI and rapid technological change, how professionals can stay adaptable and why putting your hand up for challenges can accelerate your career.

The episode closes with a quick-fire round covering career advice, breaking into tech sales, Nicholas’s proudest career moment and what he would tell himself after leaving the military.

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In this episode of The Route to Networking, Louis Parratt is joined by Ian Duke, Managing Director at Alaris Linwave, who shares insights from a career spanning more than 40 years in engineering. From starting as an apprentice to leading a specialist RF business, Ian reflects on how curiosity and hands-on experience have shaped his journey.

He explores how engineering has evolved, the impact of rapid technological change and why adaptability, collaboration and continuous learning remain key. Ian also highlights the real-world impact of RF technology and the importance of asking questions and learning from others.

The episode closes with a quick-fire round covering career advice, key skills and what it takes to succeed in engineering today.

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In this episode of The Route to Networking, Till Heinimann is joined by Michael Masal, Account Executive at Archer Integrated Risk Management. Having built a career spanning IT support, telecommunications, network engineering, cybersecurity and GRC before moving into technology sales, Michael shares how his technical background has shaped his customer-first approach to sales.

Michael reflects on his career journey, from earning his first opportunity through persistence and continuous learning to making the transition from engineering into sales. He discusses the realities of working in a target-driven environment, why understanding technology gives him a unique perspective with customers, and how solving problems, rather than simply selling products, has become the foundation of his success.

Throughout the conversation, Michael explores the importance of building trust, becoming a trusted advisor and developing the qualities that matter most in technology sales, including resilience, research and active listening. He also shares his thoughts on standing out in an increasingly competitive market, the growing role of AI, and why genuine relationships remain one of the biggest differentiators in the industry.

The episode closes with a quick-fire round covering career development, resilience, continuous learning and the advice Michael would give to anyone looking to build a successful career in technology and sales.

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In this episode of The Route to Networking: Military Leavers Edition, Louis Parratt is joined by Tony Talbot, President UK at Network Innovations and a former member of the Royal Signals. After serving eight years in the Army, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Tony shares how his military experience shaped his leadership style and prepared him for a successful career in technology.

Tony discusses the realities of transitioning into civilian life, including the challenge of translating military experience into language employers understand, the value of finding the right support network, and why creating a "soft landing" can make all the difference for service leavers. He also explores the leadership principles that have guided his career, the impact of mentorship, and why resilience, integrity and investing in people remain at the heart of great leadership.

The conversation also covers why preparation is key to a successful transition, from building your professional network and LinkedIn presence to creating opportunities rather than waiting for them. Tony shares practical advice for anyone preparing to leave the Armed Forces, alongside his thoughts on embracing setbacks, continuous learning and building a rewarding career beyond military service.

The episode closes with a quick-fire round covering leadership, military transition, career development and the advice Tony would give both his younger self and those preparing for their next mission.

🔗 Connect here with Tony on LinkedIn

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In this episode of The Route to Networking: Military Leavers Edition, Louis Parratt is joined by Richard Berry, Global IT Operations Manager at SCC and a former member of the Royal Signals with more than 22 years of military service.

Richard shares his journey from military communications into leading global IT operations teams across networking, cloud, storage and infrastructure services. The conversation explores how the foundations built within the Royal Signals helped shape his leadership style, technical mindset and approach to problem solving throughout a career spanning both defence and enterprise technology.

Throughout the episode, Richard reflects on the importance of understanding core networking and communications fundamentals, why military experience translates so well into the tech industry, and how adaptability has helped him evolve alongside rapidly changing technology. He also discusses his early exposure to Cisco networking, working across 16 countries during his military career, and how hands-on operational experience became one of his biggest strengths as a leader.

The discussion also dives into the realities of leaving the armed forces during Covid, the confidence gap many service leavers face when entering civilian careers, and why leadership, accountability and proactivity are often the qualities employers value most. Richard shares practical advice around interviews, CVs and translating military experience into language businesses understand, alongside his thoughts on why service leavers consistently thrive within fast-paced technology environments.

The episode closes with a quick-fire round focused on leadership, military transition, career development and the mindset needed to build a long-term career in technology after service.

🔗 Connect with Richard on LinkedIn here

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In this episode of The Route to Networking, Jamie Maher is joined by Tony Rossabi, Co-Founder of Ocolo and a long-time leader across telecoms, fiber, and digital infrastructure.

With more than two decades of experience across Voice over IP, connectivity, and data centers, Tony shares his perspective on how the industry has evolved from the early telecom boom to today’s AI-driven infrastructure race. The conversation explores the rapid growth of hyperscale data centers, the increasing pressure on power and capacity, and why speed-to-market has become a major priority across the industry.

Tony also reflects on his unconventional path into telecoms, how his career evolved alongside the infrastructure itself, and why resilience, adaptability, and initiative are essential for long-term success in digital infrastructure. Along the way, the episode dives into the growing talent shortage across data centers, leadership lessons from years in executive and board-level roles, and what the future of AI infrastructure could look like as demand continues to accelerate.

The episode closes with a quick-fire round focused on leadership, career development, AI infrastructure, and the skills the next generation of professionals should focus on most.

🔗 Connect with Tony on LinkedIn here

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