Advertise on podcast: PLATO Panel Talks

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere — but how do organizations move beyond the hype and actually create value? This month, Mike Hrycyk is joined by Emma Heo (Lead for Public Service AI and Data at Accenture Canada) and Emily Cowperthwaite (COO at PLATO) for a practical, candid conversation about what AI really means for businesses today.  Drawing from real-world experience at both a global enterprise and a growing technology services company, Emma and Emily share practical insight on how AI is being used today to improve productivity, streamline processes, and support better decision-making — along with honest discussion about how organizations can start small, build AI literacy, and responsibly experiment without losing sight of governance, trust, and business value and why AI success isn’t measured by the number of models deployed. Episode Transcript ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Find us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://platotech.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/plato-testing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/PLATOTechGroup/

Performance testing isn’t always required, but knowing when it is can make or break your product. In this episode, Mike Hrycyk and guests Ryan Hobbs (BC Pension Corp.) and Praneeth Eadara (PLATO) explore real criteria for deciding whether to invest in performance testing, what’s at risk if they decide to skip it, how to scope a first project, and what managers should consider before committing time and budget. Whether you’re a QA manager, developer, or business stakeholder, this panel will help you to understand the value (and limits) of performance testing – and how to plan for it long before peak load becomes a problem!  Episode Transcript ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Find us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://platotech.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/plato-testing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/PLATOTechGroup/

In this episode of PLATO Panel Talks, we dive into real testing deadline stories – from last-minute showstoppers and gruelling manual regressions to automation breakthroughs, production outages, and rapid-fire pandemic response. These tales from PLATO testers reveal how teams adapt under pressure, make tough calls, and turn scheduling chaos into shared resilience and learning. If you’ve lived through your own unforgettable deadline or have a story that shaped your testing career, we’d love to hear from you. Connect with us on PLATO Testing's social media or on our website! Episode Transcript ⁠here⁠ Find us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://platotech.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/plato-testing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/PLATOTechGroup/

The holiday rush isn’t just stressful for shoppers – it’s make-or-break for retailers. In this episode of PLATO Panel Talks, Mike Hrycyk sits down with QA experts Susan Finley and Samta Kaura (PLATO) to unpack how teams prepare for holiday and Black Friday testing.  They dive into the real risks of downtime, the importance of performance and functional testing, and why code freezes never quite hold. From managing last-minute patches to coordinating with third-party systems, the panel shares lessons learned from years in retail QA and offers tips for keeping sites stable when traffic and tension are at their peak.  Episode Transcript here Find us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://platotech.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/plato-testing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/PLATOTechGroup/

Think your company’s too small to be hacked? Think again. Hackers don’t care how big you are, and our experts, Joel Vautour (PLATO) and Roberto Salgado (Websec), join Mike Hrycyk to break down how to get started with security testing. From PCI compliance to phishing scams, they share real-world insights on spotting vulnerabilities, choosing the right testing approach, and how AI is reshaping the cybersecurity battle.  Episode Transcript ⁠here⁠ Find us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://platotech.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/plato-testing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/PLATOTechGroup/

This month, host Mike Hrycyk sits down with QA experts Snehal Lohar (Slalom) and Richard Bird (PLATO) to talk all things test management tools Whether you're still using spreadsheets or navigating your way through ADO, qTest, TestRail, or Jira add-ons, this conversation covers why having the right tool matters – and how to make it work for your team. If you're evaluating tools or just want to get more out of the one you already have, this episode’s for you. Episode Transcript Here Find us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://platotech.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/plato-testing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/PLATOTechGroup/

In today’s digital world, customer trust is everything, especially when money, data, and emotion are all on the line. In this episode, Mike Hrycyk is joined by Neha Batta (Director of Delivery Services at BCLC) and James Hurst (QA Manager at PLATO) to explore what it takes to build and maintain trust in the online gaming space. From the complexities of gaming compliance in Canada to the real-life ripple effects of software bugs, this panel dives deep into how quality assurance acts as the first line of defence. You'll hear about the layers of regulation, the role of testers in securing fair play, and why even non-financial bugs can drive players away. Tune in to learn how QA is more than just testing. Episode transcript here Find us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://platotech.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PLATO LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/plato-testing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/platotesting/

Not sure how to kick off an accessibility testing project? Host Mike Hrycyk talks with Abhishek Gupta (Director of Service Delivery, PLATO) and Juan Olarte (CEO and co-founder, Digita11y Accessible) about where to begin, how to scope your efforts, what tools you’ll need, and how accessibility fits into your dev lifecycle. Whether you're just getting started or refining your process, this episode offers clear steps and expert insights on scoping accessibility testing projects for WCAG. Find us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://platotech.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PLATO LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/plato-testing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/platotesting/

Exclusive early access for our newsletter subscribers! In this ten-minute sneak peek from our upcoming PLATO Panel Talks episode, host Mike Hrycyk speaks with Abhishek Gupta (Director of Service Delivery, PLATO) and Juan Olarte (CEO, Digita11y Accessible) about what to do when your CEO says, “Get us accessible.” From gap analysis and legal requirements to internal training vs. hiring consultants, this segment offers actionable advice for anyone trying to understand where to start and how to scope a smart, scalable accessibility initiative. Whether you're in QA, dev, or digital leadership, this preview will help you take your first confident step toward digital accessibility. Find us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://platotech.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PLATO LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/plato-testing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/platotesting/

What’s it really like to test software on massive federal projects? In this episode, host Mike Hrycyk is joined by Scott Dillon (Associate Manager, PLATO) and Paul Schenk (Accenture) for a deep dive into the unique challenges and worthwhile wins of working on Federal Government projects. From navigating massive team structures and governance requirements to prioritizing accessibility and user consensus, our panellists share their insights, lessons learned, and what makes federal testing both complex and deeply rewarding. Whether you’re starting your first government project or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, the panel challenges assumptions and offers a fresh perspective on working in the public tech sector. Episode Transcript ⁠here⁠ Find us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://platotech.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PLATO LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/plato-testing/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/platotesting/

Automation is evolving—are you keeping up? In this episode of PLATO Panel Talks, host Mike Hrycyk is joined by Matt Heusser (Author & Lead Consultant, Excelon Development) and John McLaughlin (Test Automation Specialist, PLATO) to explore the future of next-generation automation testing tools. Together, they discuss what testing tools tell us about everything from the role of AI and machine learning in test automation to how low-code and no-code automation is changing the game and overcoming common challenges in automation adoption. With real-world insights from industry experts, this episode is a must-listen for QA professionals, developers, and tech leaders looking to stay ahead in an era of rapid innovation. Episode Transcript ⁠here⁠ Check out ⁠Software Testing Strategies: A Guide for the 2020s ⁠by Matt Heusser & Michael Larsen Find us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://platotech.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PLATO LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/plato-testing/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/platotesting/

Are you maximizing your organization's potential use of consulting services? Join host Mike Hrycyk as he delves into the realities of effective consulting with industry experts Jamie Weber (National Director of IT and Business Consulting at PLATO) and Deidre Donaldson Meyer (Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at SGI). Together, they debunk misconceptions and reveal how consultants provide targeted expertise and fresh perspectives to achieve business objectives. Discover practical strategies for determining when your organization needs external support, learn how SGI successfully partners with consultants, and avoid common pitfalls. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to confidently leverage consulting and drive real results. Episode Transcript Here Find us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://platotech.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PLATO LinkedIn:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/plato-testing/⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/platotesting/

Join us for the exciting second part of our Growing Indigenous Tech series on PLATO Panel Talks. In this episode, we delve into the entrepreneurial journey of Indigenous tech founders with guest host Ryan St. Germaine (CEO and Founder of Indigenous Tech Circle). The panel is a dynamic discussion with guests Bobbie Racette (CEO & Founder of Virtual Gurus) and Jayde Pelly (Founder of JDP Software Solutions & Associate Consultant, PLATO). They share their unique experiences and insights on the importance of mentorship, community support, and the potential for Indigenous entrepreneurs to start their tech businesses. Discover how these trailblazers leverage technology to create opportunities for their communities and the transformative impact of building Indigenous-led enterprises in the tech space. Find the Episode Transcript ⁠⁠here.⁠ Find Indigenous Tech Circle:⁠www.jointechcircle.com⁠ Find us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://platotech.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PLATO LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/plato-testing/⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/platotesting/ Ryan St. Germaine LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanstgermaine/

This month, our host, Mike Hrycyk, explores the diverse perspectives and experiences of different generations of testers in the tech world. Joined by a panel of experts from the PLATO Team Nicole LeBlanc, Shawnee Polchis, and Brennan Nadeau, representing Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, we delve into the unique interactions and communication styles that arise from generational differences. From nostalgic first memories of computer use to the evolving landscape of technology, our panellists share their personal stories and insights. Check out this discussion for a thought-provoking discussion on how generational dynamics shape the testing world and the way we approach technology today. Find the Episode Transcript ⁠here⁠ Find us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://platotech.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/PLATOTesting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/plato-testing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/platotesting/ Podcast Music “⁠Pastel⁠" by ⁠Seastock⁠ is licensed under ⁠CC BY-NC-ND 3.0⁠.

In today’s fast-paced software development world, writing test cases is more important than ever. But what does writing test cases look like for the modern tester? How will AI and automation impact the way we write and execute test cases? Mike Hrycyk is joined by Kevin Morgan (Senior Manager, PLATO) and Ryan Hobbs (QA & Test Manager, BC Ferries) to bring together their extensive experience to dive into these critical questions for software testers and how it is shaping who is writing test cases and how. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on the future of test case writing. Find the Episode Transcript here Find us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://platotech.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/PLATOTesting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/plato-testing/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/platotesting/