Episode 11: Tech Trends Roundup: From bright Mac laptops to smarter AI spending

Episode 12: Andy Moulster on curiosity, digital training and using AI without losing the human touch

What does it take to stay relevant in a world where technology – and the way we learn – is constantly evolving? In this episode of Keeping IT Talking, hosts Liam Donnelly and Isabel Holden sit down with Andy, Digital Training Lead at Pareto, to explore how curiosity, adaptability and a “jack of all trades” mindset can shape a successful career in tech and training. From early experiences with DOS computers to leading digital training programmes today, Andy shares how continuous learning and marginal gains have influenced his approach. The conversation dives into what effective training really looks like in a virtual-first world, why engagement matters more than ever, and how tools like collaborative platforms are changing the way people learn. Andy also offers a grounded perspective on AI – where it genuinely adds value, where it falls short, and why human input remains essential. Listen now to hear Andy’s thoughts on the future of training, the balance between technology and people, and why the best results often come from small, consistent improvements over time. And don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Keeping IT Talking for more conversations with the people shaping the future of tech. Visit ⁠Jigsaw24.com⁠ [https://www.jigsaw24.com/] for more resources, insights and updates.

Episode 11: Tech Trends Roundup: From bright Mac laptops to smarter AI spending

What happens when headline-grabbing product launches collide with the day-to-day realities of IT? In this episode of Keeping IT Talking, hosts Liam Donnelly and Isobel Holden explore the trends shaping both the front-end of tech and the infrastructure behind it. Kicking off with MacBook Neo, the pair unpack why Apple’s latest release is getting so much attention – and what it signals for performance, accessibility and the future of workplace devices. From there, the conversation moves into the evolving world of cloud and infrastructure. With many organisations now reassessing earlier cloud decisions, Liam and Isobel explore the trade-offs between flexibility, cost and control – and how factors like rising RAM costs could start to influence where businesses host and run their workloads. A theme throughout the episode is cyber security. The pair break down what the shared responsibility model actually means in practice, where gaps can appear between cloud providers and customers, and why visibility across environments is becoming more critical than ever. They also touch on how security needs to evolve alongside infrastructure decisions – not after them. Finally, the conversation reflects on how these trends connect. From new devices to backend infrastructure and security, it’s clear that IT teams are being asked to think more holistically than ever before. Listen now for a practical, joined-up look at the trends shaping modern IT – and follow the podcast for more conversations exploring the people, platforms and challenges driving the industry forward. Visit Jigsaw24.com for more resources, insights and updates.

Episode 10: Sophie Logan on PPC, community and keeping marketing simple

What does successful digital advertising actually look like in a world shaped by AI, automation and changing search behaviour? In the latest episode of Keeping IT Talking, hosts Liam Donnelly and Isabel Holden sit down with Sophie Logan, Community and Editorial Manager at Rough Agenda, to explore her journey into pay-per-click marketing  and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From starting out in a broad marketing role to becoming a recognised voice in performance marketing, Sophie shares why PPC has kept her engaged for over a decade, and how the fundamentals of marketing still matter, even as the industry evolves. She discusses the realities behind running campaigns today, from why results aren’t instant to how budgets, data and targeting all play a critical role in success. Sophie also dives into the impact of AI on marketing, why relying on a single channel is no longer enough, and the importance of the post-click experience in turning interest into action. Alongside this, she reflects on building her personal brand, the value of community in shaping her career, and why keeping things simple is often the most effective approach. Listen now to hear Sophie’s perspective on the future of PPC, how marketers can adapt to constant change, and why strong foundations, human insight and collaboration still make the biggest difference. And don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Keeping IT Talking for more conversations with the people shaping the future of tech. Visit Jigsaw24.com [https://www.jigsaw24.com/] for more resources, insights and updates.

Episode 9: Daniel Emmerson on responsible AI, student voice and the future of education

What does responsible AI in education look like – beyond the headlines? In this episode of Keeping IT Talking, hosts Liam Donnelly and Isabel Holden sit down with Daniel Emmerson, Executive Director of the Good Future Foundation and Academic Affairs Lead at Goodnotes, to explore how schools are navigating the rapid rise of AI. With experience spanning education strategy, research and technology, Daniel shares what he’s seeing across the UK school system as leaders grapple with the opportunities and risks of AI in the classroom. From honest student feedback to growing conversations around accountability, the discussion explores how expectations are shifting on both sides of the desk. Daniel also explains the practical realities of AI adoption in schools – from safeguarding and curriculum design to supporting teachers who are still figuring out what responsible use should look like in practice. Listen now to hear Daniel’s insights on responsible AI in schools, the questions students are asking, and what education leaders should be thinking about next. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Keeping IT Talking wherever you get your podcasts for more conversations with the people shaping the future of tech. Visit Jigsaw24.com [https://www.jigsaw24.com/] for more resources, insights and updates.

Episode 8: Jonathan Beagles on why hybrid training needs more than technology

What happens when the slides disappear, the power cuts out, and all you have left is your knowledge? In this episode of Keeping IT Talking, hosts Liam Donnelly and Isabel Holden sit down with Jonathan Beagles, National Training Manager at Pareto, to explore the balance between technology and human connection in modern learning. From his early career in sales to leading large-scale training programmes, Jonathan shares the pivotal moments that shaped his philosophy on training – including a high-profile session derailed by a power outage that reinforced one simple truth: technology should enhance learning, not define it. He reflects on the rapid rise of e-learning, why knowledge alone doesn’t guarantee skill, and how AI is changing the way people prepare, practise and perform. The conversation dives into the gap between theory and execution, the importance of practice under pressure, and the realities of designing hybrid learning that genuinely reflects how people work. Jonathan also explains why training should never be measured by how it feels on the day, but by what changes afterwards in behaviour, confidence and performance. Listen now to hear Jonathan’s perspective on the future of learning, the human versus digital debate, and why, even in an AI-driven world, people still learn best from people. And don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Keeping IT Talking wherever you get your podcasts for more conversations with the people shaping the future of technology.   Visit Jigsaw24.com for more resources, insights and updates.