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In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech and host of the show, sits down with June An to explore how community-driven culture, relationship-based sales, and operational discipline differentiate TenisiTech in a competitive managed services market. June shares how TenisiTech evolved from a family-run startup into a 35-person professional IT services company without losing its personal connection. The conversation examines how blending a family mindset with enterprise-level efficiency creates stronger employee engagement, higher client trust, and long-term retention. They discuss how TenisiTech’s San Diego North County business community grew from 600 to nearly 1,000 local executives, reinforcing trust-based networking and relationship selling. June explains how authentic, consultative sales—rather than product-driven pitches—results in sustainable growth, stronger referrals, and deeper client loyalty. The episode also dives into strategic IT planning for small and mid-sized businesses, including staged infrastructure upgrades, cloud migration, cybersecurity accountability, compliance support, and license consolidation that can uncover significant cost savings. Sarah and June outline how proactive IT management replaces break-fix cycles and improves operational scalability. AI adoption is another key theme. June shares how TenisiTech integrates AI tools to automate repetitive tasks—such as ticket categorization and CRM workflows—while protecting the human relationships that clients value most. The conversation emphasizes that AI should enhance service efficiency, not replace personal engagement. Throughout the discussion, Sarah and June highlight how leadership alignment, continuous improvement, operational transparency, and responsive local support drive measurable client outcomes. In this episode, you’ll learn: How community building strengthens company culture and client trustWhy relationship-based MSP sales outperform rigid product-driven modelsHow staged IT modernization reduces technical debt and supports scalabilityThe financial impact of software license consolidation and proactive IT strategyHow AI can improve operational efficiency without sacrificing human connectionWhy accountability and ownership improve cybersecurity and compliance outcomesThis episode offers a practical look at how culture, strategy, and disciplined operations create long-term success in managed IT services.

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech and host of the show, sits down with Shehara Wooten, CFP®, fee-only financial advisor and founder of Your Story Financial, to discuss strategic financial planning, funded sabbaticals, and building long-term wealth without burnout. Shehara shares how her background as an electrical and computer engineer led her to financial planning, where she now helps high-earning professionals design fully funded sabbaticals, strengthen cash flow strategy, and align their money with purpose. The conversation explores how financial burnout affects career performance, why traditional retirement planning often misses the bigger picture, and how intentional life design creates sustainable success. Together, they break down the mechanics of sabbatical planning, including building a sabbatical fund, calculating runway, and protecting long-term wealth while taking extended time off. Shehara also explains the importance of working with a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor to ensure unbiased, commission-free advice. The discussion expands to career transitions, wealth-building for professionals, financial wellness in the workplace, and how employers can reduce burnout through smarter financial education and flexible policies. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to plan and fund a sabbatical without compromising retirement goalsThe difference between fee-only financial planning and commission-based adviceHow high earners can move from financial success to financial freedomPractical strategies for cash flow management and wealth buildingWhy career breaks can increase long-term productivity and leadership capacityIf you are a tech professional, executive, or high achiever looking to reduce financial stress, build generational wealth, or design a career that includes intentional rest, this episode offers practical financial strategy and long-term planning insights you can implement immediately. Connect with Shehara Wooten Your Story Financial, LLC

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech, sits down with Bryan Bansbach, Director of Infrastructure Operations at TenisiTech, to unpack what smart AI adoption really looks like inside modern IT teams. Bryan shares why the most successful organizations start with strong automation and clear goals before bringing AI into the mix, and how skipping these steps leads to wasted effort, security risk, and overwhelmed employees. Sarah and Bryan dive into early AI wins like automated ticket categorization and faster knowledge retrieval, along with the very real limits of letting AI make decisions on critical systems. They also highlight why data hygiene, vendor vetting, and tight access controls matter more than ever as tools like Microsoft Copilot gain deep visibility across company environments. 🎧 Listen for practical insight on building a secure, intentional AI strategy that improves workflows, reduces cognitive load, and helps your teams thrive without compromising stability or trust.

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech, sits down with Jossie Haines, Executive & Leadership Coach and Fractional Engineering Leader with 25 years at Apple, Tile, Zynga, and American Express. Jossie shares why many companies are overspending on AI without seeing real ROI, and how vague mandates, poor guidance, and early misuse lead to buggy code, security risks, and wasted productivity. She and Sarah dig into the human side of adoption, including research showing how unconscious bias impacts women and older engineers who openly use AI, and why leaders must create clear use cases, model healthy AI habits, and integrate tools intentionally rather than reactively. They also break down the hidden dangers of shadow AI, the importance of engineering oversight, and how custom GPTs and strategic coaching can help leaders amplify their impact without sacrificing quality or safety. 🎧 Listen for practical insight on aligning AI to real business problems, reducing risk, and empowering teams with thoughtful, human-centered leadership. 👉 Connect with Jossie Haines 🌐 jossiehaines.com  📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jossiehaines 📘 Free Guide: 4 AI Workflows Every Tech Leader Should Automate https://jossiehaines.com/ai-workflows-engineering-leaders/

In Part 2 of Sarah Tenisi and Carlo Cacciatore’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 rolloutsStrategies for change management, communication, and trainingThe importance of leadership engagement and storytelling with dataManaging Shadow IT and tool sprawl across modern workplacesBalancing simplicity, AI integration, and compliance in today’s SaaS ecosystemFrom 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.

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 at TenisiTech, 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 automationHow pricing varies based on infrastructure complexity, compliance requirements, and business typeHidden IT costs and the importance of audits for cost optimizationKey factors when evaluating MSP partners: service clarity, team expertise, and regional supportEquipment lifecycle planning and staged replacement strategies for predictable budgetingWhether 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.

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech 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 📚 MistyPhillip.com 🔒 TrilogyWorks.com

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech and host of the show, talks with Kathy Sebuck, an award-winning communicator, strategic advisor, and founder of Marchitecture, 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 performanceWhy burnout in tech is a systemic issue, not a personal failingThe connection between trust, retention, and community-buildingPractical ways to build calm, focused teams (even during disruption)How to shift from “busy culture” to purposeful leadershipWhether 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 LinkedIn: Kathy Sebuck Company LinkedIn: Marchitecture Book: Waves of Change ⏱️ 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

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech 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 LinkedIn: Devin C. Hughes 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

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech and host of the show, interviews Taylor Setar, a certified personal trainer and founder of Fit Firm Coaching. Taylor has worked with hundreds of clients over the past six years, helping women embrace strength and functional training as a foundation for long-term health. Since opening her own fitness center in 2018, she has led countless group fitness classes and personal training sessions, empowering women to build both physical strength and mental toughness. Together, Sarah and Taylor discuss the unique challenges women in tech face like irregular hours, demanding schedules, and inconsistent routines, and how these can impact health, fitness, and overall well-being. Taylor offers actionable strategies for maintaining a workout routine, improving nutrition, prioritizing sleep, and integrating fitness into a busy tech career. She also shares success stories and busts common fitness myths, all while highlighting the power of working with a coach to build sustainable, healthy habits. 🎧 Listen for tips on overcoming gym anxiety, building consistent routines, and giving yourself permission to do what you can—especially on tough days. 👉 Connect with Taylor: Instagram: @fitfirmcoachingFree Masterclass: fitfirm-coaching.kit.com/free-masterclassBook a Free Call: tidycal.com/fitfirmcoaching/free-health-consultation-call  00:00 Introduction to Tech Me Seriously 00:29 Meet Taylor Setar: Fitness Expert for Women in Tech 01:25 Challenges Women in Tech Face 07:17 Success Stories and Fitness Tips 20:33 Taylor's Personal Fitness Journey 24:38 Prioritizing Health and Fitness 24:53 Balancing Work, Family, and Fitness 25:53 Building a Sustainable Workout Routine 26:54 Overcoming Gym Anxiety 28:18 The Importance of Strength Training for Women 34:43 Nutrition and Logging for Success 41:50 Tips and Tricks for Habit Building 45:34 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, host Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech, converses with Nichole Robertson, the newly appointed CEO of Teladata. Nichole shares her journey from joining Teladata in 2005 and rising to CEO in 2025, emphasizing the importance of gaining technical aptitude through experience rather than just education. They discuss various non-linear paths into IT, the essential role of culture fit in hiring, and the significance of mentorship and willingness to learn. The conversation also delves into strategies for employers to attract diverse talent and the balance between technical skills and personal attributes in achieving long-term industry success.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:00 Building Technical Aptitude Through Experience 01:29 The Evolution of IT Departments 05:46 Nichole's Journey to CEO 06:05 Understanding Teladata's Role 12:20 The Importance of Culture Fit in Tech 13:16 Nichole's Career Path and Roles 23:23 Journey to Leadership 23:43 Succession Planning and Selection 24:06 Supportive Team Dynamics 25:44 Learning and Mentorship 27:48 Safe Learning Environment 29:18 Starting an IT Career 37:07 Hiring for Potential 39:37 Building a Positive Work Culture 48:58 Career Pathing and Flexibility 50:28 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of Tenisi Tech, engages in an insightful conversation with Nicholas Muy, the current CISO at Scrut Automation. The discussion dives into the fundamentals of compliance programs, their importance in cybersecurity, and how businesses can simplify their compliance strategy to fit their unique needs. They also touch upon the misconceptions of compliance and security, the differences between adhering to and being certified in compliance standards, and the role of technology in streamlining compliance processes. Additionally, Nick shares his extensive background in security, including his work at the Department of Homeland Security and Expedia, and provides practical advice for companies looking to implement or improve their compliance programs. 00:00 Introduction to Tech Me Seriously 00:29 Meet Nicholas: Cybersecurity Expert 01:17 The Basics of Compliance 01:51 Why Compliance Matters 02:16 Understanding Security and Compliance 07:14 Nick's Professional Journey 13:44 Determining Your Compliance Needs 19:40 Security vs. Compliance 25:52 Collaboration Between Security and Compliance Teams 26:51 The Role of GRC and Security Teams 27:42 Who Should Handle Compliance in Small Companies? 28:23 Building a Compliance Team 31:46 The Importance of Internal Audits 32:50 Leveraging Technology for Compliance 44:49 Adhering to Standards vs. Certification 48:33 Navigating Regulatory Changes 52:05 Conclusion and Upcoming Webinar

In this episode of 'Tech Me Seriously,' Sarah Tenisi, CEO of Tenisi Tech, has a candid conversation with Den Jones, the Chief Security Officer at Banyan Security. The episode dives deep into common cybersecurity myths, discussing real-world examples and practical advice for how to better secure organizations. Den shares his extensive experience from working at major Silicon Valley enterprises like Cisco and Adobe, providing insights on the most effective security measures, the pitfalls of outdated strategies, and the importance of simplifying and automating security processes. 00:00 Introduction to Tech Me Seriously 00:32 Meet Den Jones: Chief Security Officer at Banyan Security 01:42 Cybersecurity Myths: Let's Bust Some Shit 02:25 The Reality of Cyber Breaches 05:21 Common Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities 14:54 The Importance of Patching and Configuration 26:31 Governance vs. Security: The Real Deal 29:05 HR Training and Governance 29:38 Phishing Simulations and Tools 31:23 Vendor Risk and Email Security 32:34 Governance and Compliance Challenges 33:50 Least Privilege and Access Management 38:25 Career Journey and IT Evolution 49:40 Security Myths and Best Practices 53:13 Conclusion and Future Topics The 3 Main Takeaways: (1) Breaches often occur due to simple lapses like weak passwords and poor configuration, not highly sophisticated hacks, with phishing attacks being a common vector.  (2) Tools like vulnerability management systems and risk registries are often outdated and less effective compared to consistent patching and robust configuration management.  (3) Governance and compliance do not necessarily equate to adequate security; organizations need to implement practical and automated solutions like MFA, regular patching, and identity management to truly safeguard their assets.

Building Compassionate Tech Cultures with April Wenzel On this episode of Tech Me Seriously, host Sarah Tanisi, CEO of Tenisi Tech, engages in a compelling conversation with April Wenzel, international keynote speaker and founder of Compassionate Coding. They explore the significance of integrating emotional intelligence and compassion in tech, tackling misconceptions, industry burnout, and how open-mindedness towards compassionate practices can revolutionize the workplace. April shares her founder's journey, emphasizing the importance of addressing both self-compassion and compassion for colleagues, users, and society. The conversation also touches on generational shifts, the impact of AI, and the essential steps for leaders to foster a compassionate work culture. 00:00 Introduction to Tech Me Seriously 00:28 Meet April Wenzel: Founder of Compassionate Coding 02:27 The Concept of Compassionate Coding 03:50 The Importance of Self-Compassion in Tech 06:45 Challenges and Changes in the Tech Industry 17:59 The Role of Compassion in AI Development 22:50 April Wenzel's Founder Story 29:16 The Evolution of Compassion in the Workplace 30:18 The Rise of Compassionate Job Descriptions 31:11 Balancing Accountability with Love 32:16 Realizing the Impact of Compassionate Leadership 33:45 The Importance of Meaning and Connection at Work 34:45 Navigating Negative Reactions and Hierarchies 38:05 Starting the Journey Towards Workplace Compassion 50:00 Avoiding Compassion Fatigue 52:57 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of "Tech Me Seriously," host Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech, welcomes Julia Tunstall, co-founder of A Bar Above, a company dedicated to making craft cocktail skills  and high-end barware accessible to everyone. Julia and Sarah discuss Julia's transition from a career in project and data management at life sciences companies to co-founding A Bar Above. Julia shares her passion for cocktails and how she and her husband created a successful business that blends online cocktail education with the sale of premium barware. They explore how Julia's team has integrated AI into their business processes, using tools like ChatGPT and MidJourney. Julia describes various practical applications of AI, from generating images for blog posts to assisting in drafting emails. The conversation includes insights into alleviating team members' fears about AI taking over jobs and encouraging them to experiment with these technologies. Julia highlights their innovative approach, including the creation of AI avatars dubbed "Abe" and "Abby," which they use to better understand and engage with their customer base. The discussion also touches on the growing trend of mocktails and their importance in the current market. The episode wraps up with practical advice on how businesses can get started with AI and the importance of being cautious about data privacy and the impact of AI on different industries.