Best Arizona Technology Council Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 33: Mark McLoud, EVP & Partner of FPT 21:27

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16d ago21:27

21:27

Today, we sat down with Mark McLoud, EVP & Partner of FPT. FPT Software is a global consulting and technology services company headquartered in Vietnam, with a strong international presence across 30 countries and territories and 86 offices worldwide, including the USA, Latin America, and Europe. With annual revenue of $2.4 billion, they are proud …

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The Semiconductor Shift: All Eyes Are on Arizona EP60 55:59

1d ago55:59

55:59

Arizona is emerging as the U.S. headquarters for the semiconductor industry, and this October, Phoenix will host SEMICON West for the very first time. As the largest semiconductor event in North America, SEMICON West will bring together global leaders, innovators and policymakers to tackle the industry’s biggest challenges and celebrate its rapid g…

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Arizona Through Their Eyes: Behind the Fiesta Bowl with Brad Smidt 32:42

1M ago32:42

32:42

Join GPEC’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Logan Newman for a deep dive into one of Greater Phoenix’s most celebrated traditions, the Fiesta Bowl. In this episode, Logan sits down with Brad Smidt CEcD, GPEC’s Senior Vice President of Business Development and longtime member of the Fiesta Bowl Yellow Jacket Committee, to explore how this icon…

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Developing Arizona's Aerospace, Aviation, Space, & Defense Future EP59 1:02:37

1M ago1:02:37

1:02:37

In our July 2025 episode, we are joined by three outstanding guests who will share more about themselves shortly: Kate Lemke from Pipeline AZ, Jonathan Roll from ASU (and co-chair of the Council's Aerospace, Aviation, Space and Defense Committee), and Tom Wilson from SciTech Institute. Together, we’ll discuss the dynamic landscape of Arizona’s Aero…

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Arizona Through Their Eyes: Megan Greenwood on Brewing, Business and Belonging 35:17

2M ago35:17

35:17

GPEC’s Art Director, Stefanie Carson sits down with Megan Greenwood, owner and founder of Greenwood Brewing, for a fresh pour of inspiration. As a woman-owned microbrewery in Downtown Phoenix, Greenwood Brewing is redefining what it means to brew with purpose. Listen in as Megan shares her unconventional journey from industrial engineer to beer ent…

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Episode 32: Manny Teran, CEO of IRLabs 26:03

2M ago26:03

26:03

In this episode, we sat down with Manny Teran, CEO of IRLabs. IRLabs is a U.S.-based company that specializes in the design and manufacture of custom cryogenic systems, infrared detectors, and cryostats for use in scientific research, astronomy, and industrial applications. Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, IRLabs provides highl…

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Unlocking Innovation: AI + Machine Learning in Business Applications EP58 1:03:52

4M ago1:03:52

1:03:52

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic buzzword, it’s a game-changer across nearly every industry. In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra of the Arizona Technology Council and Eric Miller of PADT, Inc. sit down with Karuana Gatimu (Microsoft), Minky Kernacs (Mercurio Analytics Inc.), Niranjan Krishnan (FPT Software), and Chr…

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Episode 31: Vernon Bridges, Director of Enterprise, Managed Solutions, Comcast Business 32:41

5M ago32:41

32:41

Welcome to Arizona Technology Council’s TechFocus Member Spotlight, the Council’s podcast highlighting the innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech leaders shaping Arizona’s thriving technology ecosystem. In this episode, we sit down with Vernon Bridges, Director of Enterprise - Managed Solutions at Comcast Business. Comcast Business offers leading glob…

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Staying Resilient: How to Protect Your Business from Disruptions EP57 1:02:53

6M ago1:02:53

1:02:53

In an unpredictable world, businesses must prepare for disruptions, whether from cyberattacks, natural disasters or unexpected outages. But what’s the difference between disaster recovery and business continuity? In this episode of AZ TechCast, we’ll discuss the critical strategies that ensure business resilience with expert insights from Steve Cop…

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Arizona Through Their Eyes: A STEM Girl in a Non-STEM World with Allie Bakovic 22:15

6M ago22:15

22:15

In this special episode of Arizona Through Their Eyes, we’re shaking things up! GPEC’s VP of Bioscience Business Development, Allie Bakovic, hands over the mic to her mentee and episode host, Kenzy Moustafa—a neuroscience undergraduate at ASU. Together, they explore Allie’s remarkable career journey, from conducting groundbreaking lab research to d…

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Episode 30: Mary Darling, CEO of Darling Geomatics 28:04

7M ago28:04

28:04

Welcome to Arizona Technology Council’s TechFocus Member Spotlight, the Council’s podcast highlighting the innovators, entrepreneurs and tech leaders shaping Arizona’s thriving technology ecosystem. I’m Eric Miller, founder and co-owner of PADT, Inc., and today I’m sitting down with Mary Darling, CEO of Darling Geomatics, a Tucson-based leader in h…

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Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women for the Future of Work EP56 55:17

7M ago55:17

55:17

In this inspiring and first 2025 episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Eric Miller and Steve Zylstra welcome Kim McWaters, president & CEO of Fresh Start Women's Foundation, Abdu Dahr, vice president of strategic partnerships for Fresh Start Women’s Foundation and seasoned HR executive, Scott Holman of HHR Consulting to explore how Fresh Start empowers wom…

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Exploring Arizona: Hiking, Fishing and the Great Outdoors 24:55

7M ago24:55

24:55

Learn how to experience Greater Phoenix like never before in this episode of Arizona Through Their Eyes. GPEC’s Senior Director of Business Development, Zach Venvertloh, sits down with outdoor enthusiast and longtime friend, Ari Harris, for a conversation about Arizona’s unmatched outdoor lifestyle and the diverse outdoor opportunities available bo…

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Arizona Through Their Eyes: Building a Career That Matters with Thomas Maynard 25:46

9M ago25:46

25:46

Join GPEC’s Digital Marketing Intern, Tatum Baxter, in the first of our new minisode series, Arizona Through Their Eyes, where GPEC team members will take you behind the scenes with their stories about life and work in Arizona. In this episode, Tatum shares a conversation with Thomas Maynard, Senior Vice President of Business Development at GPEC, e…

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Arizona’s Space Odyssey: Leading the Final Frontier EP55 44:29

10M ago44:29

44:29

Arizona is not just gazing at the stars—it’s building the future of space exploration. In this episode of AZ TechCast, industry trailblazers Jim Cantrell, founder of Phantom Space and a SpaceX founding team member, and Michael Mackowski, retired spacecraft engineer and space advocate, join us to explore Arizona’s dynamic role in the space industry.…

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Future Innovators: Shaping Arizona's STEM Legacy E54 58:08

11M ago58:08

58:08

In this October episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller sit down with three remarkable students recently named winners of the Council’s 2024 Future Innovators of the Year awards. These students will be honored at the Council’s upcoming Governor’s Celebration of Innovation in November. These young STEM leaders—Rishabh Sreepathy, …

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Tech-Driven Retirement: The Benefits of 401(k) MEP Programs for Employers and Employees E53 56:00

12M ago56:00

56:00

In this episode of AZ TechCast, we’re joined as always by Arizona Technology Council President and CEO Steve Zylstra. Our guests today are Tom Tenney from Legacy Wealth Management and Sheila Kloefkorn from KEO Marketing. Together, we’re going to explore the Arizona Technology Council's 401(k) Multiple Employer Plan (MEP) program. We’ll discuss the …

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Building Equitable Financial Pathways with Anthony Sharett 36:01

12M ago36:01

36:01

Join host Casey Gilchrist and respected guest Anthony Sharett as they explore the vital efforts to advance equity and support for Black business owners. This episode features a special appearance by Teniqua Broughton, CEO of the State of Black Arizona, who shares her insights on the current growth and opportunities in our community. Tune in as Case…

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Connecting Communities: The Impact of BEAD Funding on Internet Access E52 57:11

1y ago57:11

57:11

Connecting Communities: The Impact of BEAD Funding on Internet Access E52 In the latest episode of AZ Tech Cast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Karen Nowicki discuss the impact of BEAD funding on internet access in Arizona with experts Sandip Bhowmick, Ben Elkins, and Kelly LeBlanc. Steve and Karen introduce the Arizona Technology Council's role in […] Th…

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Exploring Arizona’s Culinary Landscape with Steve Chucri 21:39

1y ago21:39

21:39

Join host Tim Bourcet as he shares a conversation with one of the most influential figures in Arizona’s food and restaurant industry: Steve Chucri, President and CEO of the Arizona Restaurant Association. Listen in as Tim and Steve break down what makes Arizona’s flourishing restaurant scene unique and how Steve’s family history defines his mission…

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Cybersecurity: Its Importance & the Impact of AI E51 1:04:16

1y ago1:04:16

1:04:16

Cybersecurity: Its Importance & the Impact of AI E51 This episode of AZ TechCast explores cybersecurity's pivotal role and AI's transformative impact, hosted by Steve Zylstra and Karen Nowicki. Guests Mark Dallmeier, JR Garcia, and Helen Patton emphasize proactive cybersecurity strategies and the dual nature of AI in enhancing threat detection whil…

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Tech & Government: Behind the Scenes with Local Business Leaders E50 1:00:20

1+ y ago1:00:20

1:00:20

Tech & Government: Behind the Scenes with Local Business Leaders E50 In the 50th episode of Az TechCast, Karen Nowicki and Paisley Coxsey host a discussion on government contracting with Lisa Rehurek, Jenny Servo, and Sonia Vohnout, highlighting the nuances of state and local contracts, SBIR, and STTR programs. Lisa, Jenny, and Sonia stress the […]…

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Empowering Tomorrow: Green Banks, Resiliency and the Energy Transition E49 57:20

1+ y ago57:20

57:20

Empowering Tomorrow: Green Banks, Resiliency and the Energy Transition E49 In this episode of AZ TechCast, Karen Nowicki and Steve Zylstra explore Arizona's energy landscape with Earl Collins, Dre Thompson, and Maren Mahoney, highlighting collaborations between public and private sectors and tribal communities. They discuss the fusion of private in…

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Workforce Development: From Education to International Innovation E48 1:01:23

1+ y ago1:01:23

1:01:23

Workforce Development: From Education to International Innovation E48 In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Karen Nowicki and Leslie Marquez engage in a dynamic conversation with a panel of experts representing organizations like the PMI Phoenix Chapter, Proctorio Inc., Digitanity, and Pipeline AZ. Together, they dive into the intricacies of workfo…

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Behind the Music with Michelle Donovan and Charlie Levy 35:09

1+ y ago35:09

35:09

Join GPEC’s resident music enthusiast Tim Bourcet as he shares a conversation with two of the Arizona music scene’s most influential figures: Michelle Donovan, owner of The Nile Theater in Mesa, and Charlie Levy, owner of The Crescent Ballroom and Valley Bar in Phoenix. Listen in as Michelle and Charlie take us behind the scenes of Arizona’s rich m…

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TechFocus Episode 29: Susan Dumon SVP of Strategy, Sun Corridor 32:07

1+ y ago32:07

32:07

Susan Dumon - As Senior Vice President of Strategy, Susan is responsible for leading strategic initiatives around competitiveness that align with Sun Corridor Inc.’s mission to drive transformative economic development in the Tucson and Southern Arizona region. Susan has nearly 20 years of experience in economic development in Arizona, working at t…

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Unraveling the local fashion scene with Oscar De las salas, Leonor Aispuro, and Angela Johnson 38:21

1+ y ago38:21

38:21

Join host Casey Gilchrist and esteemed guests Oscar De las salas, Leonor Aispuro, and Angela Johnson as they dive into Greater Phoenix’s dynamic fashion scene and their goal to fashion a sustainable future. Delve into their inspiring stories of creativity and innovation, from their beginnings in the fashion industry to their vision for its future. …

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AI-Powered Marketing: Ethics, Efficiency, and Innovation E47 58:52

1+ y ago58:52

58:52

AI-Powered Marketing: Ethics, Efficiency, and Innovation E47 The latest episode of AZ TechCast hosted by Steve Zylstra and Karen Nowicki, explores AI's impact on marketing with guests Stephen Carradini from ASU, Renee Yeager from Yeager Marketing, and Spencer Lee from Intero Digital, emphasizing ethical considerations and regulatory challenges. Spe…

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AZ Hot Takes Part 2 with Ashley Busada 20:56

1+ y ago20:56

20:56

GPEC’s Southern belles are back for part two of Arizona hot takes! Host Casey Gilchrist and guest Ashley Busada dive into more crowd-sourced opinions about Greater Phoenix and Arizona. What is a hot take? A hot take is a quickly produced, strongly worded and often deliberately provocative or sensational opinion or reaction. Covering everything from…

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Navigating Leadership: Insights from Industry Pros E46 57:43

1+ y ago57:43

57:43

Navigating Leadership: Insights from Industry Pros E46 This dynamic podcast interview, hosted by Karen Nowicki and Steven Zylstra, featured esteemed guests Victor Assad from Strategic HR Consulting; Carol Stewart from Tech Parks Arizona and Art Taylor from PayPal. These leaders engaged in a comprehensive exploration of effective leadership in the r…

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Bytes and Borders: Navigating AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing & Global Trade E45 1:00:10

2y ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Bytes and Borders: Navigating AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing & Global Trade E45 In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Karen Nowicki and Steve Zylstra lead a dynamic discussion with guests Mayor Ciprian Ciucu of Bucharest, Cristian Bacanu from the Romanian Parliament, and Representative David Cook. The conversation spans AI, cybersecurity, qua…

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The Spirit of learning and our instinctive curiosity is what fuels innovation and drives our organization forward… 32:06

2y ago32:06

32:06

Linda Drake Interviews Anne Dougherty, Founder and C0-Owner of Illume, a leader in clean energy transformation. Anne Dougherty is the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of ILLUME, a research consultancy serving the clean energy industry. In her executive role, Anne leads ILLUME’s brand vision, business development, and market strategy, and charts the course f…

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Shining Bright in the Desert: Solar Energy in Arizona E44 56:11

2y ago56:11

56:11

Shining Bright in the Desert: Solar Energy in Arizona E44 With over 300 sunny days per year, it's no secret that Arizona has plenty of sunshine. Overall, Arizona ranks second in the nation in solar energy potential and ranks among the top five states in the nation in total solar-powered generating capacity from both utility- […] The post Shining Br…

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Exploring Mesa's Vibrant Asian District - Mayor Giles and Muralist Kadihma Tung 34:08

2y ago34:08

34:08

Join co-hosts Tim Bourcet and Casey Gilchrist as they dive into the culture and community of Mesa's thriving Asian District. First, we chat with Mesa Mayor John Giles, an accomplished leader and triathlete, who shares insights into the growth of Mesa's Asian district and his role in supporting development. Then, we're thrilled to introduce muralist…

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AZ Hot Takes - Ashley Busada 22:02

2y ago22:02

22:02

This episode gets spicy! Listen in for a light-hearted discussion where self-proclaimed Southern girls Casey Gilchrist and Ashley Busada react to crowd-sourced "hot takes" on Greater Phoenix and Arizona. What is a "hot take?" — A hot take is a quickly produced, strongly worded and often deliberately provocative or sensational opinion or reaction. F…

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AZTC Douglas Hockstad 28:06

2y ago28:06

28:06

By Arizona Technology Council

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Connecting Worlds: Bridging the Digital Divide with Broadband E43 58:18

2y ago58:18

58:18

Connecting Worlds: Bridging the Digital Divide with Broadband E43 Arizona's Rural Broadband Initiative endeavors to expand broadband services in underserved rural areas across the state. The initiative envisions a future where every Arizonan, regardless of their location, is empowered by high-speed internet, breaking barriers and fostering a more i…

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Dia de los Muertos history & traditions — Dr. Mathew Sandoval 36:22

2y ago36:22

36:22

*Please note that there were some microphone issues in this episode, but the compelling dialogue remains rich and enlightening. Host Tim Bourcet is joined by local expert Dr. Mathew Sandoval for an engaging discussion about the history, traditions and Greater Phoenix Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. Dr. Sandoval is an Associate Te…

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Arizona: A Growing Leader in International Trade E42 1:02:19

2y ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Arizona: A Growing Leader in International Trade E42 No longer just a flyover state, Arizona is rapidly gaining more and more attention globally for its business-friendly environment and interest in international trade opportunities. The September 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Represe…

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Unpacking the circular economy in concept and action - Amanda Jordan & Rose King 39:08

2y ago39:08

39:08

At GPEC, we talk a lot about how Greater Phoenix is addressing climate action and sustainability goals, from water solutions and alternative energy generation and storage to other novel technologies, but in this episode, we focus on another aspect of sustainability essential to progressing long-term goals in this space — the reuse and regeneration …

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Hear how Slalom Phoenix is advancing the Valley of the Sun... 19:46

2y ago19:46

19:46

Slalom is a purpose-led, global business and technology consulting company. From strategy to implementation, our approach is fiercely human. In eight countries and 45 markets, we deeply understand our customers—and their customers—to deliver practical, end-to-end solutions that drive meaningful impact. Backed by close partnerships with over 400 lea…

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How to Level Up Your Digital Marketing Strategy E41 56:27

2y ago56:27

56:27

How to Level Up Your Digital Marketing Strategy E41 From SEO to paid media to website design, refining your company's digital marketing strategy can be overwhelming. But if created intentionally, it can be a critical step towards meeting key business goals. The August 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured expe…

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State of Black Business 3.0 report 1:05:32

2y ago1:05:32

1:05:32

Published in partnership with The State of Black Arizona, this special report covers the thriving landscape of Black entrepreneurship in Arizona and shines a spotlight on Black-owned firms, the rise of women-owned enterprises and the role venture capital and microlending play towards an equitable market. From innovative incubators to collaborative …

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Coffee Break w/ Jack McCain 48:27

2y ago48:27

48:27

In this episode we sit down with local legend, U.S. Navy Reserve Aviator and American Airlines Regional Director of Government Affairs, Jack McCain to chat everything from his favorite movie, pinball obsession, and go-to restaurants, to the experience of coming home to fundamental changes in the character, makeup and political landscape of Greater …

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A Closer Look at Arizona’s Shifting IT Industry E40 58:05

2y ago58:05

58:05

A Closer Look at Arizona's Shifting IT Industry E40 Should we build out our internal IT department or work with a managed service provider? Should we onshore or offshore IT support? How can we attract qualified IT talent? The July 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Alex Cole, CEO […] The p…

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Housing - Gregg Ghelfi, Steve Betts 40:47

2y ago40:47

40:47

Join host Casey Gilchrist as she sheds light on the overwhelming challenges faced by Greater Phoenix residents in their pursuit of affordable housing. Guest speakers include Steve Betts, managing director of development at Holualoa Companies, Gregg Ghelfi, business development officer for the Maricopa County IDA, and Jessica Daley, GPEC's digital m…

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Ensuring Data Privacy When Using Generative AI E39 54:32

2y ago54:32

54:32

Ensuring Data Privacy When Using Generative AI E39 What should executives keep in mind when considering the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure their organization's data privacy? The June 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Rebecca Clyde, co-founder and CEO of Botco.ai;…

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Are you struggling to afford marketing in this challenging economy? 21:58

2y ago21:58

21:58

Looking for significant increases in leads and sales? KEO Marketing is an award-winning B2B marketing agency. We know how maddening it is to waste money with a marketing agency that doesn’t deliver results. For more than 20 years we have built marketing systems that consistently deliver outstanding leads and sales. Some of the world’s largest brand…

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What is the future of AI? - Rebecca Clyde 44:41

2y ago44:41

44:41

Join host Casey Gilchrist and GPEC Data Scientist Albert Stanton in this exhilarating episode as they dive deep into the vibrant AI landscape of Greater Phoenix! Guest speaker Rebecca Clyde, the Co-Founder, and CEO of Botco.ai, a trailblazing company at the forefront of conversational AI. Tune in and be captivated by the boundless possibilities of …

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Arts & Culture – Stefanie Carson, Edna Dapo, Jami Kozemczak, Patrick McWhortor, Christopher Roche 36:20

2+ y ago36:20

36:20

This special episode brought to you by the GPEC team was originally recorded as a panel conversation. In conjunction with the launch of a captivating GPEC art exhibit, the discussion focused on the influence of arts and culture on the growth of Greater Phoenix. Follow GPEC for the latest Greater Phoenix news: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/greaterp…