Recorded live at PoweredUp Tech Fest, this episode of The (Un)Buttoned Up Podcast features Matt Sickles, a seasoned technology and cybersecurity executive at CDW, with more than three decades of experience helping organizations build and protect trust in an increasingly digital world.

Matt shares with us about his Doc Martin collection, in addition to sharing his perspective on where AI and emerging technologies are headed, why trust has become one of the most valuable assets a business can have, and how leaders can embrace innovation without compromising security. Security should not be an afterthought, it should be a model of expense that protects the revenue input.

From the rapid evolution of AI to the growing importance of resilience, governance, and strategic leadership, this conversation explores how organizations can prepare for what's next while staying focused on the people they serve. Whether you're a business leader, technology professional, or simply curious about the future of AI, Matt offers practical insights that cut through the hype and focus on what truly matters.

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AI is changing every industry—but most companies are simply adding AI onto old processes instead of rethinking how work gets done.

In this episode, Steph and Kathryn sit down with Eric Foster, CEO and founder of TENEX.AI, to discuss what it really means to build an AI-native company. After decades in cybersecurity leadership and building one of the industry's largest managed security businesses, Eric set out to create TENEX.AI from the ground up with artificial intelligence at its core rather than as an add-on. He has spoken extensively about the difference between "AI-native" and "AI-bolted-on" organizations, the future of cybersecurity, and how AI is reshaping enterprise operations.

Unbuttoned Up truths:
✔ AI isn't just another technology—it's a new operating model.
✔ Companies that redesign work around AI will outperform those that simply automate old processes.
✔ Organizations that start learning today will have a significant competitive advantage.

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Website: https://nextpath.com/podcast/

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future initiative—it's reshaping how organizations operate today. In this special episode recorded at PoweredUp, we sit down with three technology leaders to discuss how businesses are moving beyond AI experimentation and into real-world execution.

Join Brian Beesley from Slalom, Marianne Kirkland from TD SYNNEX, and Vlad Voyuts from Dynasty Financial Partners as they share practical insights on AI adoption, governance, security, workforce transformation, and where organizations are seeing measurable business value.

Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or scaling enterprise initiatives, this conversation is packed with actionable advice, lessons learned, and predictions for what's next.

Thanks for joining us for another PoweredUp conversation. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, share it with a colleague, and join us next time as we continue bringing together the technology leaders shaping the future of business.

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Website: https://nextpath.com/podcast/

In this episode of The (Un)Buttoned Up Podcast, we sit down with Saxon Baum, CEO of Florida Funders, at the Tampa Bay Tech's PoweredUp Tech Fest for a candid conversation about Florida's rapidly evolving startup ecosystem, where venture capital is flowing, and the technologies shaping the future of business.

Unbuttoned up truths:

• The current state of venture capital and what investors are really looking for.
• The hottest technology trends—from AI and automation to cybersecurity and emerging innovations.
• What startups need to do to stand out in today's competitive funding environment.
• The opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurs as technology continues to evolve.

Whether you're building a company, investing in innovation, or simply curious about where technology is headed, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world perspectives on the future of Florida's tech landscape.

Tune in for an unfiltered conversation about funding, innovation, and the trends shaping tomorrow's businesses today.

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Website: https://nextpath.com/podcast/

AI is everywhere right now—and if we’re being honest, most people are either overusing it, underusing it, or pretending they totally know what they’re doing.

In this episode of The (Un)Buttoned Up Podcast, we’re getting real about AI in the workplace: what it’s actually good for, where people are getting it wrong, how businesses should think about implementation, and the security risks nobody is talking about enough.

We’re cutting through the hype to talk practical, everyday AI use—from productivity hacks and smarter workflows to bad prompts, privacy concerns, and the mistakes that can get companies (or careers) into trouble.

Whether you’re AI-obsessed, AI-curious, or AI-skeptical, this episode will help you separate hype from reality and walk away with practical ways to use AI smarter at work.

#UnButtonedUpPodcast #AIAtWork #FutureOfWork #Leadership #WorkplaceTrends #ArtificialIntelligence #CareerGrowth #BusinessLeadership

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Website: https://nextpath.com/podcast/

In this episode, we’re getting honest about why people really leave jobs — and spoiler alert: it’s usually not just about the money.

From toxic leadership and burnout to lack of growth, broken promises, and feeling invisible at work, we unpack the real reasons employees decide they’re done. We also dive into the disconnect between what companies think employees want versus what actually drives retention today.

Whether you’re a leader trying to keep top talent, someone quietly updating your resume, or just fascinated by workplace dynamics, this conversation is for you.

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Website: https://nextpath.com/podcast/

Every workplace has them — the coworker who replies-all to everything, the meeting monopolizer, the self-appointed office DJ, the serial snacker, and the person who somehow turns every Teams message into a crisis. In this episode of The (Un)Buttoned Up Podcast, we break down the classic office personalities we’ve all encountered, survived, and maybe even become.

From harmless quirks to habits that test everyone’s patience, we unpack the funniest, most relatable workplace characters and share stories that will have you nodding in recognition. Whether you’re the peacekeeper, the overachiever, the ghoster, or the one just trying to make it to Friday, this episode is packed with laughs and a little too much truth.

Tune in for a hilarious look at office life and the personalities that make work… interesting.

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Website: https://nextpath.com/podcast/

Email is still one of the most powerful tools in business—but most people are using it wrong. In this episode, we break down the real do’s and don’ts of emailing, from subject lines that actually get opened to the small habits that quietly kill your response rate. We talk about common inbox mistakes (yes, including “reply all”), how tone can make or break your message, and what separates emails that get ignored from ones that drive action. Whether you’re in sales, leadership, or just trying to communicate more effectively, this episode will help you write emails that are clear, confident, and actually get results.

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Email us at theunbuttoneduppodcast@gmail.com

Check out our Youtube www.youtube.com/@TheUnButtonedUpPodcast

Website: https://nextpath.com/podcast/