CTO Insights

Building IT Teams for Rapid Business Growth | Ep 9

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2281069/open_sms] In this episode of CTO Insights, Paul Stringfellow sits down with Rob Plummer, IT and Security Director at Fletcher’s Group, to explore the intersection of technology, leadership, and business growth. Rob shares his journey from hands-on IT roles to leadership positions, his philosophy on empowering teams, and his approach to driving rapid business growth through scalable IT strategies. Discover how passion, trust, and adaptability are critical in today’s evolving tech landscape. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to CTO Insights 00:46 Rob's Career Journey and Specialization in IT Leadership 03:21 The Role of Technology in Business Growth 08:58 Challenges and Strategies in IT Leadership 15:53 The 10X Principle for Rapid Business Growth 18:28 Decision-Making in Technical Strategy 20:23 Importance of Business-IT Dialogue 23:44 Tips for IT Leadership 32:36 Providing Pro Bono Technical Support 36:10 Final Thoughts

The Human Element: Tackling Cybersecurity Risks with Mimecast’s Malcolm Murphy

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2281069/open_sms] In this special episode of CTO Insights, Paul Stringfellow dives into the human side of cybersecurity with Malcolm Murphy, Sales Engineering Director at Mimecast UK and Ireland. Together, they explore how attackers exploit human behavior, the evolution of threats across collaboration platforms, and the importance of fostering a security-first culture within organisations. Discover why shifting from seeing people as vulnerabilities to empowering them as frontline defenders is crucial. Plus, learn how Mimecast’s innovative tools, like the Human Risk Management platform, are helping organisations stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:23 Understanding Human Risk in Cybersecurity 05:07 The Role of Culture in Cybersecurity 07:49 Evolving Threats and the Impact of AI 11:23 Omnichannel Attack Strategies 16:08 Visibility and User Behavior in Security 21:41 Challenges of Traditional DLP 23:02 Understanding Data Flows 24:40 User Education in Security 26:18 Real-Time Security Training 30:12 Mimecast's Approach to Security 33:34 Human Risk Management 39:08 Engaging with Mimecast 41:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

NetApp's Matt Watts | Ep 8

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2281069/open_sms] In this extended episode of CTO Insights, Paul Stringfellow is joined by long-time friend and industry expert Matt Watts, Chief Technology Evangelist at NetApp and author of The Fourth Wave. Together, they dive deep into the tech industry’s evolution, breaking down the concept of "waves"—monumental shifts that have shaped how businesses adopt and use technology. From the rise of cloud computing to the current AI revolution, Matt shares valuable insights into how IT leaders can prepare for the future by learning from the past. Key topics include: - Understanding the importance of AI and data democratization post-ChatGPT - How to distinguish between tech "ripples" and true industry "waves" - Lessons learned from the first three waves (cloud, virtualization, and modular IT) - The role of intelligent data infrastructure in harnessing AI’s potential - Practical advice for CTOs on standardization, infrastructure strategy, and identifying the next big trend Whether you're an IT veteran or new to the leadership role, this conversation is packed with expert advice on how to navigate the fourth wave and beyond. Plus, Matt talks about his book, available now on Amazon! - https://amzn.eu/d/2qagF0d Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:08 Matt Watts: Background and Role at NetApp 03:41 The Fourth Wave: Concept and Development 06:48 Challenges in IT Leadership and Trends 11:13 Understanding the Third Wave: Cloud Adoption 18:16 Impact of the Pandemic on IT and Cloud 22:44 The Profound Impact of AI on Businesses 25:26 The Role of Storage in AI and Data Management 26:19 DevOps and Intelligent Data Infrastructure 31:40 Standardisation and Multi-Cloud Strategies 37:09 Advice for IT Leaders and Future Waves 40:23 Conclusion

Arctic Wolf's Nick Dyer | Ep 7

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2281069/open_sms] Welcome to this edition of CTO Insights, where we explore how cyber insurance is revolutionising cybersecurity decisions within organisations. In this episode, we sit down with Nick Dyer, Engineering Director at Arctic Wolf, who shares the innovative journey of Arctic Wolf's cloud-connected security operations. Nick discusses how a risk-focused approach, driven by limited resources and the rise of ransomware, has reshaped Arctic Wolf's strategies, enabling them to support mid-market businesses and the public sector in overcoming significant cybersecurity challenges. We delve into the critical importance of visibility in today's IT landscape, as the transition from traditional antivirus tools to advanced EDR and XDR systems becomes essential. Nick highlights how cyber insurance mandates are bridging the gap between IT and business, ensuring that IT security measures align with business objectives to mitigate risks and ensure compliance. Visibility is key for CISOs, CIOs, and CTOs managing complex infrastructures and adopting cloud-native solutions. Finally, we tackle the complexities of managing cybersecurity risk and the ongoing challenges faced by IT directors and CISOs. Nick offers insights into the continuous investment required in cybersecurity and how cyber insurance is playing a transformative role in promoting better security practices. We also explore various cybersecurity frameworks, the impact of public cloud adoption, zero trust networking, and the importance of data security and privacy amidst AI advancements. Tune in to discover why effective security strategies rely heavily on people and processes, not just technology.

Mimecast's Kiri Addison | Ep 6

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2281069/open_sms] In this episode of CTO Insights, our host, Paul Stringfellow, as he sits down with Dr Kiri Addison, Senior manager of product management at Mimecast.