Tech Me Seriously!

Carlo Cacciatore: Managing the J Curve - Leading Through Technology Change

In Part 2 of Sarah Tenisi and Carlo Cacciatore [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlo-cacciatore-11891078/]’s conversation, the discussion turns from IT service delivery to the human side of technology implementation: the J curve. The J curve captures the emotional and productivity dip teams experience when adopting new systems. Sarah and Carlo unpack why this happens, what it means for leadership, and how organizations can navigate through the low point to achieve lasting transformation. They explore: * How different teams experience the J curve during major tech rollouts * Strategies for change management, communication, and training * The importance of leadership engagement and storytelling with data * Managing Shadow IT and tool sprawl across modern workplaces * Balancing simplicity, AI integration, and compliance in today’s SaaS ecosystem From emotional readiness to practical execution, this episode offers a blueprint for IT leaders aiming to guide their organizations through the complexities of change and come out stronger on the other side.

Carlo Cacciatore: The Truth About MSP Quality & Pricing

Not all IT services are created equal, and the consequences can affect your business more than you realize. In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi sits down with Carlo Cacciatore, VP of Operations [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlo-cacciatore-11891078/] at TenisiTech [https://tenisitech.com/], to explore the realities of IT service delivery, pricing, and industry maturity. Unlike regulated professions such as electricians or accountants, managed service providers (MSPs) don’t require licenses to operate. That means anyone, even “cousin Joe”, can handle sensitive business data, leading to wide gaps in service quality. Carlo and Sarah cover: * Comprehensive IT service scope: from cloud security to identity protection and workflow automation * How pricing varies [https://tenisitech.com/what-is-device-based-pricing-in-it-services-and-does-it-save-money/] based on infrastructure complexity, compliance requirements, and business type * Hidden IT costs [https://tenisitech.com/the-hidden-costs-of-it-whats-really-draining-your-budget-and-how-to-get-ahead-of-it/] and the importance of audits for cost optimization * Key factors when evaluating MSP partners: service clarity, team expertise, and regional support * Equipment lifecycle planning and staged replacement strategies for predictable budgeting [https://tenisitech.com/outsourced-it/budgeting-for-it/] Whether you manage IT in-house or partner with an MSP, this conversation highlights the operational and strategic decisions that drive successful technology outcomes. 👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where Sarah and Carlo dive into the “J curve” of IT projects and share strategies to help teams navigate implementation challenges.

Misty Phillip: Leading with Purpose in Life, Tech & Influence

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech [https://tenisitech.com/] and host of the show, sits down with Misty Phillip—author, speaker, and COO of TrilogyWorks—to explore how women can lead with purpose, boldness, and resilience across every season of life. Misty shares the strategic framework she’s developed over years of experience in publishing, podcasting, entrepreneurship, and now the cybersecurity and AI space. Together, she and Sarah discuss how small, intentional decisions can compound into powerful influence, whether at home, in business, or in ministry. They dive into the evolution of women’s leadership, redefining influence beyond social media, and the importance of adapting your focus as life transitions. Misty also shares how she’s helping clients navigate AI disruption, cybersecurity challenges, and tech infrastructure, all while staying grounded in faith and purpose. 🎧 Listen for insight on leading through transitions, building authentic communities, and sparking lasting influence, one season at a time. 👉 Connect with Misty Phillip [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mistyphillip/] 📚 MistyPhillip.com [https://mistyphillip.com/] 🔒 TrilogyWorks.com [https://www.trilogyworks.com]

Kathy Sebuck: Connected Balance™ - Strategic Leadership Without Burnout

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech [https://tenisitech.com/] and host of the show, talks with Kathy Sebuck, an award-winning communicator, strategic advisor, and founder of Marchitecture [https://www.marchitecture.tech/], about how modern leaders can create sustainable, high-performing teams without sacrificing well-being. Kathy introduces the Connected Balance™ Experience (CBE)—a leadership framework grounded in neuroscience, heart coherence, and energy management. Drawing on over 25 years of leadership experience at companies such as Microsoft, SAP, AWS, and Citrix, she shares how performance can thrive when leaders prioritize internal alignment over external validation. Together, Sarah and Kathy explore what it means to “be the leader you never had” and how emotional regulation, clarity, and core values alignment can transform both culture and business outcomes. 🧠 You’ll learn: * How heart rate variability and nervous system regulation enhance leadership performance * Why burnout in tech is a systemic issue, not a personal failing * The connection between trust, retention, and community-building * Practical ways to build calm, focused teams (even during disruption) * How to shift from “busy culture” to purposeful leadership Whether you’re a founder, fractional leader, or aspiring exec, this episode is packed with real-world insights, science-backed strategies, and a refreshing reminder: it’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what matters. 🔗 Connect with Kathy Sebuck: Website: www.marchitecture.tech [https://www.marchitecture.tech/] LinkedIn: Kathy Sebuck [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebuck/] Company LinkedIn: Marchitecture [https://www.linkedin.com/company/marchitecture] Book: Waves of Change [https://www.kathysebuck.com/] ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Tech Me Seriously 00:29 – Meet Kathy Sebuck: Strategic Communicator, Athlete, and Leadership Advisor 01:30 – Connected Balance™: Integrating Heart, Mind, and Body in Decision-Making 05:14 – Using Heart Rate Variability to Enhance Performance and Reduce Stress 07:40 – Workaholism vs. Self-Worth: Rethinking Leadership from the Inside Out 11:09 – Why Tech Rewards Burnout: Historical Context and Structural Challenges 12:12 – Generational Differences: Gen Z, Balance, and the Effort Conversation 23:22 – Growth Mindset Reframed: From Risk Tolerance to Curiosity 30:33 – Leadership Impact: Turnover, Retention, and Manager Relationships 32:39 – Building Trust: Weekly One-on-Ones and Personal Check-Ins 33:47 – The Cost of Turnover vs. Retention 36:00 – From “Good Place to Work” to Community-Centered Culture 45:15 – Core Values Workshop: Personal Development for Strategic Leaders 50:02 – Nature as a Leadership Tool: One Hour Outdoors Per Day 53:37 – “Be the Leader You Never Had”: Bringing It All Together

Devin C. Hughes: Leading with Gratitude – Transforming Workplace Culture from the Inside Out

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech [https://tenisitech.com/] and host of the show, interviews Devin C. Hughes, speaker, author, and culture strategist, who’s worked with clients ranging from Disney to the Department of Defense. Known for his TED-worthy humor and no-fluff delivery, Devin helps leaders build thriving, people-first cultures where trust, retention, and performance go hand in hand. Together, Sarah and Devin explore how gratitude, emotional intelligence, and mindset shifts can transform workplace dynamics. They dig into the practical ways leaders can promote well-being, normalize taking time off, and create meaningful connections on their teams. Drawing from positive psychology and organizational research, Devin shares tools and real-life stories that show how kindness and clarity can drive serious business outcomes. 🎧 Listen for actionable strategies on building a culture of gratitude, boosting engagement, and creating workplaces where people—and profits—grow together. 👉 Connect with Devin: Website: www.devinchughes.com [https://www.devinchughes.com/] LinkedIn: Devin C. Hughes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinchughes/] Company: Devin C. Hughes Enterprises, LLC [https://www.linkedin.com/company/devin-c-hughes-enterprises-llc] Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Tech Me Seriously 00:29 Meet Devin C. Hughes: Speaker, Author, and Workplace Culture Expert 01:31 The Importance of Gratitude at Work 03:06 Changing Workplace Norms and Culture 04:28 The Role of Leadership in Promoting Work-Life Balance 07:40 Devin's Journey and Passion for Workplace Culture 17:03 Embedding Wellness into Work Routines 25:31 The Importance of Celebrating Small Wins 27:38 The Power of Positive Affirmations 29:23 Assuming Positive Intent in Relationships 31:40 Creating a Culture of Connection 33:58 Addressing Workforce Engagement Challenges 36:42 The Role of Leaders in Fostering Engagement 46:21 Implementing a Gratitude Challenge 48:18 Personal Practices for Positivity