The What Is I.T.? Podcast

BRMs: Empathy as a Service

Business Relationship Management might have the worst name in IT, but behind it is one of the most important roles in making technology actually work. In this episode, Jeff Warren breaks down what BRMs really do. And it’s not what you think. It’s not about governance, process, or sitting in meetings all day. It’s about understanding people: their goals, their pressures, and sometimes their frustration with IT. And turning that into something meaningful. Because most IT failures aren’t technical. They’re human. Jeff shares what it takes to build trust, navigate resistance, and connect technology to real business outcomes. Not by forcing solutions, but by meeting people where they are and bringing them along. Because IT isn’t just systems. It’s relationships. You can reach Jeff at: https://barkleyconsultinggroup.com/

Cybersecurity: The Art of Defense

When most people hear “cybersecurity,” they picture hackers in hoodies, complex passwords, and IT emails nobody wants to read. But cybersecurity isn’t about paranoia or red tape—it’s about protection. In this episode, we sit down with Shannon Ramsaywak to explore what cybersecurity really is—and who it really takes. From his early years in Guyana to growing up in the Bronx, to training in mixed martial arts, Shannon brings a unique philosophy to IT security: defense isn’t about fear. It’s about discipline, awareness, and protecting what matters. We talk about what it actually means to defend an organization in a world where everything is connected. About hiring people who deeply understand what they’re protecting. About layered defenses. About staying calm under pressure. And about why security should feel less like a cop saying “no” and more like a firefighter helping you get somewhere safely. If you’ve ever wondered what cybersecurity looks like beyond the stereotypes—or if you’ve ever thought IT was just about fixing printers—this episode will shift your perspective. Because in the end, the art of defense isn’t about technology. It’s about people. Tips from Shannon for living safely in our Digital World (with some supporting links from the FTC): * Remember to turn on Multifactor Authentication (MFA) [https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/use-two-factor-authentication-protect-your-accounts] for your important accounts. This extra level of protection makes it very hard for hackers to get in. * Double check BEFORE you click [https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/08/dont-click-random-text-its-scam]. It's the click that gets you in trouble. * Keep your devices and software up to date [https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2019/06/update-your-software-now]. It can be annoying but the cyber world moves fast and you want to keep pace with those trying to keep you safe. You can reach Shannon and his team at: https://nathanialrand.com/ [https://nathanialrand.com/]

Leadership: Built to Serve

IT leadership isn’t about technology. It’s about service, intent, and showing up.In this episode, Earl Newsome shares what he’s learned leading technology at scale and why the job of an IT leader is far more human than most people realize. He breaks leadership down simply: know which hill matters, stay close to the work, and understand the steps it takes to move forward. Most importantly, don’t lead from afar. Be there with your people.Earl talks about why IT professionals are wired to serve and how technology itself is just a tool. Like a hammer, it can break a window or build a house. The difference isn’t the technology, it’s the purpose of the person using it. When leaders understand why they do what they do, technology becomes a way to create meaningful outcomes for the people they serve.We explore the importance of asking better questions, especially the ones business leaders hesitate to ask IT and the ones IT professionals should be asking the business. Progress doesn’t start with answers. It starts with curiosity, courage, and conversation.From storytelling as a leadership skill to why the best technology should feel indistinguishable from magic, this episode is a grounded look at what it really means to lead in IT today. We also tackle AI head-on and why it’s not coming for your job, but the person who knows how to use it might be.This conversation isn’t about hype or trends. It’s about leadership with purpose and the responsibility IT leaders carry to help shape the future, not wait for it. In this episode, Earl asks our listeners: "What have you always wanted to ask I.T. but are afraid to ask?" We welcome you to comment and join the conversation!

Networking: The Wires That Connect Us

When most people hear “networking,” they think of either blinking boxes in a closet or awkward conversations over bad coffee. In this episode of What is IT?, Doug sits down with Jim Kennedy III, CIO of Trinity Church NYC, to unpack why networking is actually one of the most human parts of IT. Jim brings networking down to earth. He explains how the invisible systems that keep Wi-Fi, video calls, and entire communities connected behave a lot like people do. Trust matters. Communication matters. And when things break, relationships are often what fix them fastest. From managing technology across 27 properties in Lower Manhattan to building strong, loyal teams with almost no turnover, Jim shows that great networking is not just about cables and protocols. It is about building connections that last, whether those connections run through fiber or through people. This episode is a reminder that the networks holding our world together are only as strong as the humans behind them.

The What Is I.T.? Podcast

Technology powers our world — but people power technology. What is IT? explores the human side of IT through honest, engaging conversations with the people who build, protect, and improve the systems we all depend on.