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Most organizations rely on outdated penetration tests that check boxes, but miss real threats already inside their networks. Host Ivo Wiens, Field CTO for Cybersecurity, sits down with Mikhail Falkovich, former CISO turned security leader at Microsoft, to unpack why perimeter defenses fail and why zero trust is a mindset, not a buzzword. They explore insider threats, the limits of traditional pen testing and why continuous red and purple teaming — and AI-aware defences — are essential for real cyber resilience. To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Key Takeaways Generative AI is impacting various sectors, including customer support and finance.Microsoft's $19 billion investment in Canadian AI is a significant milestone.Data sovereignty and security are critical in AI implementation.AI tools can enhance productivity and creativity in the workplace.Education and training are essential for successful AI adoption.Organizations need clear AI policies to guide their workforce.Generative AI can be used to automate mundane tasks and improve efficiency.Collaboration and communication are key in leveraging AI tools effectively.AI is a transformative technology that requires a strategic approach for implementation.    To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Key Takeaways AI can be used at work, but with caution.Always consider if you would want your information public.Blocking AI access won't stop misuse; education is key.Using corporate systems means your activity may be monitored.If you use free AI products, your data is often the product.Guidelines for AI use should be clear and accessible.Data leaks are a long-standing issue, not just an AI problem.Human behavior is a significant risk factor in data security.Report any sensitive data shared with AI to your company.Conduct personal risk assessments for data shared with AI. To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Takeaways AI skills gap is a significant challenge for organizations.Skilling is essential for adapting to technological changes.Organizations must leverage AI tools to enhance productivity.A growth mindset is crucial for individual and organizational success.Continuous learning is necessary in the tech industry.AI should be seen as a co-pilot, not a replacement.Organizations need to build skilling into their strategic plans.Upskilling current employees is more cost-effective than hiring new talent.Creating a culture of curiosity around AI tools is vital.Formal training and clear AI policies can drive successful adoption.    To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, KJ announces the reimagined CDW Canada Tech Talks, outlining what’s ahead for 2026. You can expect more frequent episodes, new expert hosts and a broader range of topics, including AI, cybersecurity, cloud management and public sector innovation. Our mission remains clear: deliver timely insights and practical advice to help IT leaders stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape. To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode KJ Burke discusses the technology trends of 2025 and predictions for 2026. He covers the maturation of AI, the importance of treating data as a product, innovations at the edge, managing cross-cloud environments, building business resiliency and automating the skills gap. Looking ahead, he highlights key trends for 2026, including AI for business automation, security governance, industrial automation, FinOps, fraud threats and sovereign services. To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the CDW Canada Tech Talks podcast, host KJ Burke engages with CDW experts Joe D'Amato, Kris Kostiuk and Kevin Ellsworth to explore the evolving technology landscape of media and entertainment. They discuss the unique challenges faced by the industry, including project-based workflows, cybersecurity threats and the impact of AI on content creation. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, best practices and the need for dedicated teams to manage technology and security. As the industry adapts to new technologies and threats, the experts share insights on how studios can prepare for the future and leverage innovations to enhance their operations. To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, KJ Burke and John Encizo, Field CTO – ISG Americas at Lenovo discuss the current state of enterprise AI, exploring its potential, challenges and the reality behind the hype. They delve into the importance of data management, the role of AI in driving organizational change and how businesses can successfully adopt AI technologies. The conversation highlights the need for a strategic approach to AI implementation, focusing on user engagement and the integration of AI into existing workflows. John shares insights on the future of AI, emphasizing the importance of innovation and the evolving relationship between technology and human workers. To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, KJ Burke and Qaiser Habib, head of engineering, Canada at Snowflake, discuss the challenges and strategies for unlocking the power of data within organizations. They explore the evolution of data management, the changing role of IT teams, the importance of data quality, and the shift towards unstructured data. The conversation also highlights the need for self-service data access, the accountability of C-suite executives, and the future trends in data and AI. To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, host KJ Burke speaks with Frances Edmonds, head of sustainable impact at HP Canada, about the intersection of sustainability and technology. They discuss the importance of a circular economy, the role of procurement in sustainability, and the challenges organizations face in implementing sustainable practices. Frances shares insights from her extensive career, emphasizing the need for change management and leadership in driving sustainable initiatives. The conversation highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and the potential for technology companies to lead the way in creating a future that is environmentally responsible. To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, KJ discusses the insights and experiences shared by various presenters at CDW Canada's Business Technology Expo (BTEX) 2025, highlighting the significance of the event in showcasing technological advancements and strategies for businesses. Key themes include the transition to Windows 11, the importance of cybersecurity, the evolution of AI and the future of hybrid cloud solutions. To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the CDW Canada Tech Talks podcast, host KJ Burke discusses the findings of the 2025 CDW Canada Cybersecurity Study with cybersecurity experts Ivo Wiens and Ben Boi-Doku. They explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, the importance of continuous security testing and the challenges faced by small and medium businesses. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in cybersecurity, the significance of data classification and the practical implementation of zero trust principles. The experts share insights on cloud security challenges, the necessity of tabletop exercises for preparedness and the future trends in cybersecurity as organizations move into 2025. To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Martin Bazinet and Joseph Reele join KJ to discuss why data centres both private and public are growing at such a rapid rate. As we see the surge of demand how do large organizations keep pace with power and cooling demands and how can we translate that into guidance for our private data centres and our edge deployments? At scale how do organizations like AWS align with environmental and sustainability without sacrificing resiliency? To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we dive into the transformative impact of women in tech — breaking barriers, driving innovation and reshaping the tech landscape. Our host, KJ Burke, sits down with Sandi Jones, IT Operations Leader, Interac Corp., who has had a long, successful tech industry career spanning multiple organizations. Together, they explore the challenges women have faced, progress they've made and the exciting future of tech. To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, host KJ Burke is joined by Kelly LaForest, Consultant, Microsoft Cloud, Professional Services and Brian Matthews, Head of Services Strategy & Development, Digital Workspace, CDW Canada, to discuss AI tools that empower our individual coworkers. As we see more AI capabilities being baked in to applications and as more organizations deploy individual tools like Microsoft Copilot we are seeing user initiated demand driving innovation in the personal tools space. To learn more, visit cdw.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.