Best Avepoint Podcasts (2026)

1
Ep. 118: Your Best PR Is You: Building Your Brand and Network Through Change 44:20

Play Pause

7d ago44:20

44:20

How do you thrive when cultural expectations, career pivots, and global moves collide? In this episode of #shifthappens, we sit down with Angela Chen, Microsoft’s Communications Lead, podcast host, and mentor to the next generation of tech talent. Angela shares how growing up in an Asian cultural context shaped her views on personal branding, why m…

1
Ep. 117: AI Can Find Talent, Only You Can Build Leaders 35:53

14d ago35:53

35:53

In this #shifthappens episode, Travis Hann, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Pender & Howe and Board Member at Kestria, shares how AI is transforming executive search — without replacing the human judgment that defines great leadership. From the cost of a bad hire to the traits that set modern leaders apart, Travis discusses why curiosity, humili…

1
Ep. 116: The Future of Work is Human 30:41

1M ago30:41

30:41

Work today feels busier than ever, and yet, we’re all expected to do more. That tension between what people can give and what organizations demand is what Shawn Villaron calls the “capacity chasm.” In this episode of #shifthappens, Microsoft’s Vice President of Customer and Strategic Initiatives in the Office Product Group, Shawn Villaron, shares h…

1
Ep. 115: Autonomous Transit That Builds Trust and Community 36:34

2M ago36:34

36:34

Autonomy in tech is already changing how we move. In this episode, Michael Kelly, Chief Strategy Officer of Mozee, shares how people-first technology is making urban transportation safer, more efficient, and more connected. Michael discusses the practical realities of deploying autonomous vehicles, the importance of building trust with communities,…

1
Ep. 114: The Foundation of AI Adoption Success in Healthcare 29:10

2M ago29:10

29:10

In this #shifthappens episode, Ghazenfer Mansoor, CEO and founder of Technology Rivers, shares how real AI adoption in healthcare starts with trust, not tech. From HIPAA-first design to clinician-led workflows, Ghazenfer reveals why starting small, designing for compliance, and embedding AI invisibly into operations are the keys to scaling transfor…

1
Ep. 113: From Single-Use to System Change 26:07

3M ago26:07

26:07

Plastic pollution is an environmental crisis and a leadership challenge. In this episode of #shifthappens, we sit down with Nanette Medved Po, founder of HOPE and Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX), to talk about what it takes to move from pledges to action. From failed treaty negotiations to grassroots innovation, Nanette shares how governments, busine…

1
Ep. 112: Beyond the Pitch Deck: Turning Whiteboard Ideas to Market Wins 47:35

3M ago47:35

47:35

Virtual CMO for B2B Tech Companies Mark Donnigan shares his philosophy: Don’t compete – create. In this #shifthappens episode, Mark explains how it’s not the perfect plan that wins in the AI era but the team that can move fast and keep improving. He reveals how to reshape marketing teams into nimble “marketing pods,” hand repetitive work to AI, and…

1
Ep. 111: Tectonic Shifts, Agentic AI, and the Human Advantage in Ecosystem Strategy 35:09

4M ago35:09

35:09

Thriving in the partner ecosystem takes more than great tech. In this episode of #shifthappens, Vince Menzione, founder of Ultimate Partner and former Microsoft executive, shares what it takes to succeed in a hyperscaler-driven economy. From the rise of agentic AI to the evolution of co-selling and marketplace strategies, Vince unpacks how companie…

1
Ep. 110: From Novelty to Necessity: How Agentic AI Is Reshaping Enterprise Value 29:55

4M ago29:55

29:55

Agentic AI is becoming a strategic layer in enterprise operations. In this #shifthappens episode, Shashank Kapadia, AI and Machine Learning Thought Leader, shares how AI is evolving from content generator to intelligent decision-maker. He breaks down what this shift means for leaders, how to overcome adoption hurdles, and why 2025 is the breakout y…

1
Ep. 109: AI Trust Builds When Leaders Prompt First 31:53

5M ago31:53

31:53

AI adoption starts with small, visible habits, not just with strategy decks. In this #shifthappens episode, Matt Berg, Microsoft’s Director of AI Business Solutions Business Strategy, shares how leaders can quietly but powerfully shape AI culture by using Copilot in real, everyday ways. From smart prompting to gamified challenges and Excel hacks, o…

1
How Siemens Builds Its Content Strategy (with Niall Sullivan, Head of Marketing for Senseye) 30:54

4M ago30:54

30:54

In this episode of The B2B Content Strategy Show, Niels van Melick is joined by Niall Sullivan, Head of Marketing for Senseye at Siemens. Niall shares how he built a podcast-first content strategy that stands out in a crowded market, uses AI to scale repurposing, and ties efforts to revenue without chasing vanity metrics. Here’s what you’ll learn i…

1
Ep. 108: Developing Leaders Who Drive Real Change 42:36

5M ago42:36

42:36

Leadership in complex times isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about knowing how to create the conditions for learning, trust, and growth. In this #shifthappens episode, Nate Allen, retired Army officer and co-author of Taking the Guidon, reflects on what it really takes to lead through uncertainty. From psychological safety to leadership dev…

1
Ep. 107: Soft Skills: What AI Can’t Replace Still Matters Most 34:54

6M ago34:54

34:54

When AI reshapes the workplace, emotional intelligence becomes your edge. Vladimer Botsvadze, globally recognized marketing influencer by Thinkers360, AI advisor, and Techstars mentor, explains how businesses can stay ahead by combining tech adoption with authentic human connection. He explores how AI is shifting talent demands, why personal brandi…

1
Ep. 106: Next-Level Leadership to Thrive in the AI Era 35:10

6M ago35:10

35:10

AI is reshaping modern leadership — and Jeff Epstein is here to help us decode the shift. In Part 2 of our two-part series, we go beyond the balance sheet and into what makes great boards work, how to lead through uncertainty, and why AI agents will soon outnumber your team. From Charlie Munger’s mental models to the next generation of work, this e…

1
Ep. 105: The CFO’s Blueprint from Finance Leader to Business Transformer 21:47

6M ago21:47

21:47

What separates a good CFO from a transformational one? Jeff Epstein, Operating Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners and former Oracle CFO, breaks it down. In this episode, he shares battle-tested strategies on balancing growth and profitability, turning finance into a lever for innovation, and building governance systems that scale. This two-part e…

1
Ep. 104: Audits, Automation, and AI: The Future of Financial Governance 35:04

7M ago35:04

35:04

The finance world is shifting fast, and AI is leading this change. However, how can organizations use it responsibly to maintain trust and stay compliant? Ahikam Kaufman, CEO of Safebooks AI, breaks down how AI is helping CFOs and finance teams automate financial data validation, reduce fraud, and navigate growing compliance demands.…

1
Ep. 103: It’s Not Just Code Anymore: AI That Thinks 41:11

7M ago41:11

41:11

AI is moving fast, and for Ron Green, co-founder and CTO of kungfu.ai, it’s about more than just new tools. It’s about how to work with them. In this #shifthappens episode, Ron shares his journey into the field, his thoughts on AGI, and why human oversight still matters. We look at how AI is changing software development, where creativity fits in, …

1
Ep. 102: AI Adoption: How to Make AI Work for Your Business 32:20

8M ago32:20

32:20

AI is here to stay, but are businesses using it effectively? In this episode, Kevin Dean, President and CEO of ManoByte, shares how companies can move beyond AI experimentation and integrate it into their core strategy. This episode dives into AI adoption, the evolving role of IT, and how AI-driven solutions like digital agents are transforming ind…

1
Ep. 101: Scaling Smarter: How MSPs Can Leverage AI, Security, and Strategic Partnerships 52:27

9M ago52:27

52:27

The Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry is undergoing a major shift as AI, automation, and cybersecurity redefine business operations. In this #shifthappens episode, Jorn Wittendorp, Founder of Ydentic, and Mario Carvajal, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at AvePoint, discuss the Ydentic-AvePoint acquisition, the trends affecting the indust…

1
Ep. 100: AI, Deepfakes, and Cybersecurity: Why Protection Must Come First 29:11

9M ago29:11

29:11

#shifthappens 100th episode dives into one of the biggest challenges in tech: staying secure while pushing innovation forward. In this episode, Crayon CEO Melissa Mulholland went from Intel intern to global tech leader and now helps organizations navigate security, innovation, and the future of cyber resilience.…

1
Ep. 99: Cybersecurity in the Age of AI: Navigating Threats with Confidence 23:17

9M ago23:17

23:17

Cybercrime is advancing fast, with AI playing a significant role in both attacks and defense. In this episode of #shifthappens, we sit down with cybersecurity expert and Have I Been Pwned Founder Troy Hunt to uncover the real threats of data breaches, why some companies suppress or delay breach disclosures, and how AI is reshaping cybersecurity — b…

1
How AI Can Make You a Better Content Marketer (with Catie Grasso from Dataiku) 26:25

10M ago26:25

26:25

This week on the podcast, Niels van Melick sits down with Catie Grasso, Head of Content Marketing at Dataiku, to dive into how AI is reshaping content marketing. Catie shares her insights on how her team integrates AI into their daily workflows, balances automation with creativity, and ensures high-quality content at scale. Here's what you'll learn…

1
Ep. 98: From Insight to Impact: How Quality Data and AI Shape the Future 39:08

10M ago39:08

39:08

AI is transforming data security, but not by changing the rules; it’s amplifying both risks and rewards. In this episode of the #shifthappens podcast, Bob Buda, Founder of Buda Consulting, shares how organizations can harness AI without compromising data integrity. He highlights the importance of getting the basics right for AI-driven insights. Fro…

1
The Art of Doing More with Less in Content Marketing (with Elise Thrale from Napier AI) 21:24

10M ago21:24

21:24

This week on the podcast, Niels van Melick is joined by Elise Thrale, Head of Content at Napier AI, to discuss how to maximize content marketing impact with limited resources. Elise shares her insights on prioritizing content efforts, learning from past experiments, and repurposing high-performing assets for long-term success. Here's what you'll le…

1
Ep. 97: Building a More Inclusive Future: How AI is Transforming Accessibility 44:04

11M ago44:04

44:04

The future of accessible AI isn't just about creating new technologies – it's about ensuring technologies serve everyone regardless of ability. Ioana Tanase, AI and Accessibility Program Manager at Microsoft, shares 97% of the world's websites are not accessible, underscoring the magnitude of the digital divide that people with disabilities face da…

1
How to Align Sales and Marketing Without the Headaches (with Aino Hakkinen from Sievo) 20:17

11M ago20:17

20:17

This week on the podcast, Niels van Melick sits down with Aino Hakinen, VP of Marketing at Sievo, to dive into the challenges and opportunities of sales and marketing alignment. With a background in sales development, Aino brings a unique perspective on how marketing can drive revenue, build stronger relationships with sales teams, and create strat…

1
Ep. 96: The Transformative Power of AI Agents: Democratizing Innovation and Opportunity 38:59

11M ago38:59

38:59

AI agents represent the next frontier in artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional AI, which requires explicit instructions, AI agents can take actions on behalf of users and solve semi-complex tasks. This democratization of AI allows businesses of all sizes to compete on a level playing field and innovate in ways that were previously unimaginabl…

1
Ep. 95: Leadership Principles That Drive Big Bet Transformation 40:03

12M ago40:03

40:03

Leadership plays a crucial role in driving digital transformation. A hands-on approach is exemplified by leaders like Jeff Bezos and Satya Nadella, who are actively involved in solving problems and understanding their businesses from the ground up — actively rolling up their sleeves and working alongside their teams. Learn why traditional operation…

1
Ep. 94: Technology Innovation and Digital Transformation in the Public Sector 37:49

1y ago37:49

37:49

Join us as Javier Inclán, Assistant Inspector General for Management and CIO at the National Science Foundation - Office of Inspector General (NSF OIG), debunks the myth that government lags in technology. Discover how NSF OIG attracts top talent through programs like the NSF-funded Scholarship for Service, and learn about the critical role of dive…

1
Ep. 93: AI in Accounting: Addressing Resistance to Adoption and Change Management 46:26

1y ago46:26

46:26

Imagine a world where sorting through stacks of invoices and summarizing financial reports is no longer a tedious task, but one accomplished quickly and accurately by AI. This picture is becoming increasingly a reality driven by technological advancements, private equity investments in CPA firms, and a shrinking talent pipeline. David Hartley, Part…

1
How to Build and Scale a High-Performing Content Team (with John Habib from Diligent) 25:25

1y ago25:25

25:25

This week on the podcast, Niels van Melick is joined by John Habib, Director of Content Strategy at Diligent, to explore what it takes to build and scale a high-performing content team. With years of experience leading content teams, John shares his insights on identifying key roles, balancing internal and external resources, and adapting to evolvi…

1
Ep. 92: Moving Beyond AI Hype to Responsible Implementation 44:39

1y ago44:39

44:39

The business technology landscape is rapidly evolving, but not in the ways many expected. Rather than returning to "normalcy" following the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations face new challenges in a more complex environment accelerated by digital transformation. Jon Reed, Co-Founder of diginomica, offers a unique perspective on responsible AI implem…

1
Breaking Down Internal Silos for Better Marketing ROI (with Elizabeth Strickert from A-LIGN) 26:50

1y ago26:50

26:50

This week on the podcast, Niels sits down with Elizabeth Strickart, Director of Content Marketing at A-LIGN, to explore the challenges and opportunities of breaking down organizational silos in marketing. Elizabeth shares her journey of fostering collaboration across teams to create more impactful campaigns and drive better results. Here's what you…

1
How B2B Marketing Teams Should Differentiate Their Content (with Matthew Grant from SAP LeanIX) 26:45

1y ago26:45

26:45

This week on the podcast, Niels sits down with Matthew Grant, Director of Content Marketing at SAP LeanIX, to explore the challenges and opportunities of creating truly differentiated content in the age of AI. Matthew shares his wealth of experience in content strategy, customer storytelling, and leveraging subject matter expertise to stand out in …

1
Ep. 91: Overcoming AI Resistance Through Education 27:04

1y ago27:04

27:04

One of the key challenges in AI adoption is overcoming resistance rooted in misconceptions about what AI is and how it works. Daniel Larsson, Senior Architect at Cristie Nordic, highlights the importance of education in the AI adoption process. By demystifying AI and explaining its limitations as well as its capabilities, organizations can help emp…

1
From Silos to Synergy: How Companies Should Align Their Content and Product Marketing (with Thereasa Roy from OffSec) 28:09

1y ago28:09

28:09

This week on the podcast, Niels van Melick is joined by Thereasa Roy, Director of Content and Product Marketing at OffSec, to explore the unique benefits of aligning product marketing with content marketing for long-term success. Thereasa shares her experiences overseeing both teams and how it has led to more cohesive messaging and impactful campai…

1
How to Run Events That Drive Real Business Impact (with Carleen Hughes from Kainos) 34:13

1y ago34:13

34:13

This week on the podcast, Niels van Melick talks with Carleen Hughes, VP of Marketing at Kainos, about how to maximize ROI from events. With experience managing over 30 events annually, Carleen shares her insights on integrating events as a core element of a B2B marketing strategy, covering everything from planning to post-event follow-up. Here's w…

1
Ep. 90: AI is a Copilot, Not an Autopilot 33:49

1y ago33:49

33:49

How can we overcome the stigma that when one uses AI, it means they didn’t put any thought into their task? By understanding AI's strengths and limitations, we can create a distinction that the future of AI is not about automation, but collaboration. Maarten Eekels, Global Solution Director for Data & AI at Rapid Circle and Microsoft MVP & Regional…

1
Building Thought Leadership with Original Research Reports (with Nicole Caci from AvePoint) 33:08

1y ago33:08

33:08

This week on the podcast, Niels van Melick dives into the world of original research reports with Nicole Caci, Director of Content and Communications at AvePoint. Nicole recently launched a successful research report that has been referenced by industry heavyweights like Gartner. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: • Why original research rep…

1
Ep. 89: Women in Tech and the Role of AI in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 35:39

1y ago35:39

35:39

Empowering women in technology through education, mentorship, and networking—this is the mission of Christine Bongard, the co-founder and CEO of the WIT Network, a global non-profit organization dedicated on providing professional development, technology training, and leadership development for women. In this #shifthappens episode, we explore the i…

1
How to Build a Winning Content Strategy for B2B Companies with Long Sales Cycles (with Abi Malins from Leadwave) 22:41

1y ago22:41

22:41

This week on the podcast, Niels van Melick sits down with Abi Malins, Content Strategist at Leadwave, to discuss how to build an effective content strategy that truly resonates with your audience. Drawing from her experience working with B2B tech & consulting firms, Abi shares her insights on what makes a content strategy successful. Here's what yo…

1
How to Create Highly Effective Thought Leadership Content (with Brooke Gocklin from CoreWeave) 30:28

1y ago30:28

30:28

This week on the podcast, Niels van Melick is joined by Brooke Gocklin, Head of Content Marketing at CoreWeave, to discuss how to build effective thought leadership campaigns. Brooke shares her expertise on how to develop content strategies that resonate with your audience, stand out in the market, and drive results. Here's what you'll learn in thi…

1
Ep. 88: A Closer Look at GenAI in Portugal 32:33

1y ago32:33

32:33

Portugal is experiencing a cultural and digital shift with the bring-your-own-AI trend spanning across generations. According to the 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report from Microsoft and LinkedIn, 85% of Gen Z employees and 73% of boomers are already bringing their AI skills and knowledge to the workplace. Andrés Ortolá, General Manager of Microso…

1
Ep. 87: Embracing AI and Innovation in Vietnam 45:15

1+ y ago45:15

45:15

According to the Microsoft Work Trend Index, 88% of knowledge workers in Vietnam use generative AI, higher than the global average of 75%. Vietnam has long been known for its young, open-minded, and tech-savvy population. Tram Nguyen, General Director of Microsoft Vietnam, shares fascinating insights into how the country is now taking giant leaps i…

1
How to Make Real Impact as a New Content Leader (with Sonja Jacob from Athenahealth) 36:12

1+ y ago36:12

36:12

In this episode of B2B Marketing Done Right, Niels van Melick sits down with Sonja Jacob, Director of Content Marketing at Athenahealth, to explore how content marketing leaders can make a real impact in a new company. Drawing from her experience at leading companies like Meta and Cisco, Sonja shares valuable insights on building a content function…

1
Ep. 86: How GenAI is Reshaping Business in Australia and New Zealand 27:49

1+ y ago27:49

27:49

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the global business landscape, and Australia and New Zealand are no exception. In this episode of the #shifthappens podcast, Chandima Kulathilake, Account Technology Strategist for Microsoft ANZ Public Sector, shared valuable insights on AI adoption trends, challenges, and opport…

1
Goodbye Lead Gen, Hello Brand Power: The Future of B2B Marketing (with Lena Weber-Reed from Getronics) 32:33

1+ y ago32:33

32:33

This week on the podcast, Niels van Melick is joined by Lena Weber-Reed, UK Marketing and Communications Manager at Getronics, to discuss the current state of B2B marketing and how teams should adapt to drive results. Lena shares her thoughts on the challenges facing B2B marketers today—from shifting away from traditional lead gen tactics to the ne…

1
Ep. 85: AI Learning and Development in the Future Workplace 35:16

1+ y ago35:16

35:16

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept but a transformative tool reshaping industries and revolutionizing the way we live, learn, and work. In this episode of #shifthappens Alex Pearce, a Microsoft MVP and a Chief Strategist for Microsoft and Education at Softcat, shares insights on leveraging Microsoft's Copilot capabilitie…

1
Ep. 84: The Future of Internet Search and Content Creation 37:10

1+ y ago37:10

37:10

Many businesses are concerned about the impact of AI on content creation and SEO. Greg Brooks, Partner and CMO at SearchTides, offers a balanced perspective suggesting that AI should be viewed as a powerful assistant rather than a replacement for human expertise. AI can significantly boost productivity but maintaining authenticity in an AI-driven w…

1
Ep. 83: The Art of Writing in the Age of AI 42:55

1+ y ago42:55

42:55

How can writers strike a balance between the human element and AI collaboration? In this engaging episode of #shifthappens, Nick Usborne, a pioneer in digital copywriting with over four decades of industry experience, delves into effectively leveraging generative AI with prompt engineering and creating powerful content with emotional storytelling. …