The Calculus of IT

By: Nathan McBride & Michael Crispin
  • Summary

  • An exploration into the intricacies of creating, leading, and surviving IT in a corporation. Every week, Mike and I discuss new ways of thinking about the problems that impact IT Leaders. Additionally, we will explore today's technological advances and keep it in a fun, easy-listening format while having a few cocktails with friends. Stay current on all Calculus of IT happenings by visiting our website: www.thecoit.us. To watch the podcast recordings, visit our YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@thecalculusofit.

    © 2024 The Calculus of IT
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Episodes
  • Calculus of IT - Bonus Episode 15 - 12/30/24 - AI Redux of Episodes 38-39
    Dec 30 2024

    With Season 1 completed and Season 2 scheduled for launch on January 8th, we decided to see what would happen if we ran our episodes through the AI washing machine. What happened is what follows below…

    This special edition podcast comprises episodes 38 and 39 of the Calculus of IT Podcast series. Tune in and listen to our two hosts, Billy McPonies and Ginger Unicorns, who will walk you through their “special” interpretation.

    Join Nate and Mike for a special double-length season finale of the Calculus of IT podcast as they discuss IT tropes that just won't die. In this episode, they cover a range of topics, including:

    • Password expiration policies: Nate and Mike agree that password expiration policies are outdated and unnecessary, especially with the use of MFA.
    • Overly restrictive guest Wi-Fi: Nate believes that overly restrictive guest Wi-Fi is unnecessary and that proper backend security measures should be sufficient.
    • Complex VPNs: While Nate believes that complex VPNs are no longer necessary for most users, Mike argues that they may still be required for organizations with multiple sites or on-premises infrastructure.
    • Lengthy software approval processes: Nate and Mike agree that lengthy software approval processes are unnecessary if an organization has enough licenses available. However, they acknowledge that some organizations may need these processes due to limited licenses.
    • On-premises servers: While acknowledging the trend towards cloud computing, Nate and Mike recognize that on-premises servers are still necessary for some organizations.
    • Antivirus software: Nate believes that traditional antivirus software is no longer necessary, advocating for more advanced security solutions such as XDR. Mike agrees but suggests that traditional antivirus tools can still be useful for specific tasks.
    • Voicemail: Nate and Mike believe that voicemail is largely unnecessary, with transcription services providing a more efficient way to manage voice messages.
    • Email naming conventions: While acknowledging the potential benefits of standardized naming conventions, Nate and Mike advocate for shorter email addresses and flexible alias options to improve user experience.

    They also discuss their plans for Season 2, focusing on the intersection of risk, innovation, productivity, and autonomy in the age of AI and unstructured data. Tune in for an insightful discussion on these enduring IT practices and how they are evolving in the ever-changing technological landscape.



    Support the show

    The Calculus of IT website - https://www.thecoit.us
    "The New IT Leader's Survival Guide" Book - https://www.longwalk.consulting/library
    "The Calculus of IT" Book - https://www.longwalk.consulting/library
    The COIT Merchandise Store - https://thecoit.myspreadshop.com
    Buy us a Beer!! - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thecalculusofit
    Youtube - @thecalculusofit
    Slack - Invite Link
    Notta - The best audio transcriptions on the Internet
    Email - nate@thecoit.us
    Email - mike@thecoit.us

    Show more Show less
    25 mins
  • Calculus of IT - Bonus Episode 14 - 12/28/24 - AI Redux of Episodes 36-37
    Dec 28 2024

    With Season 1 completed and Season 2 scheduled for launch on January 8th, we decided to see what would happen if we ran our episodes through the AI washing machine. What happened is what follows below…

    This special edition podcast comprises episodes 36-37 of the Calculus of IT Podcast series. Tune in and listen to our two hosts, Billy McPonies and Ginger Unicorns, who will walk you through their “special” interpretation.

    This special double-length Calculus of IT podcast episode combines episodes 36 and 37 to explore the evolving loss of autonomy. The hosts, Nate and Mike, start by discussing the concept of autonomy in the context of individual and corporate decisions. Using examples like Adobe Creative Cloud and streaming services, they note how the shift from owning software to renting it through subscriptions has contributed to this loss. They also highlight the growing influence of algorithms and the lack of transparency in data collection policies as further contributors to this trend.

    The conversation then moves into the corporate IT world, where Nate and Mike examine the "mirror effect" of individual autonomy loss on IT decision-making. They discuss the pressure to conform to industry standards, the challenge of balancing innovation with stability, and the increasing reliance on vendor-driven solutions, all of which contribute to a diminished sense of control for IT leaders. This leads to the "sovereignty paradox," where attempts to maintain control through strict policies and limitations can ironically further erode autonomy for both individuals and the organization as a whole.

    Nate and Mike analyze the impact of this loss on accountability, noting that when IT leaders make decisions that deviate from the norm, they assume greater responsibility for the outcome. This can be both empowering and daunting, as it requires a willingness to take risks and stand by their choices.

    They propose several strategic responses to address this challenge:

    • Building intentional autonomy preservation: Making conscious decisions that prioritize control and flexibility, even if they go against prevailing trends
    • Embracing technological diversity without creating chaos
    • Engaging stakeholders in the process of change and fostering a sense of ownership and resilience
    • Creating data frameworks that prioritize sovereignty and long-term accessibility
    • Developing ethical technology principles

    Finally, Nate and Mike peer into the future, examining the implications of emerging technologies like VR, AI, and bio-implants on autonomy. They raise critical questions about the trade-offs between convenience, efficiency, and personal freedom in a world where technology becomes increasingly integrated with our

    Support the show

    The Calculus of IT website - https://www.thecoit.us
    "The New IT Leader's Survival Guide" Book - https://www.longwalk.consulting/library
    "The Calculus of IT" Book - https://www.longwalk.consulting/library
    The COIT Merchandise Store - https://thecoit.myspreadshop.com
    Buy us a Beer!! - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thecalculusofit
    Youtube - @thecalculusofit
    Slack - Invite Link
    Notta - The best audio transcriptions on the Internet
    Email - nate@thecoit.us
    Email - mike@thecoit.us

    Show more Show less
    18 mins
  • Calculus of IT - Bonus Episode 13 - 12/26/24 - AI Redux of Episode 35
    Dec 26 2024

    With Season 1 completed and Season 2 scheduled for launch on January 8th, we decided to see what would happen if we ran our episodes through the AI washing machine. What happened is what follows below…

    This special edition podcast is a special redux of Episode 35 of the Calculus of IT Podcast series. Tune in and listen to our two hosts, Billy McPonies and Ginger Unicorns, who will walk you through their “special” interpretation.

    The hosts discuss the following:

    • Grammarly's authorship verification tool and the implications for originality and trust in a world where AI-generated content is becoming increasingly prevalent.
    • The philosophical question of whether AI is revolutionary or evolutionary and how it will impact human intelligence and creativity.
    • The need for humans to continue to contribute original ideas and perspectives, even as AI becomes more sophisticated.
    • The potential for AI to create a virtual CIO that can help IT leaders with strategy, governance, and other tasks.
    • The possibility of AI-generated podcasts and other content becoming more common in the future.
    • The importance of human connection and collaboration in a world where AI is changing the way we work and live.

    The episode features a demonstration of a virtual CIO bot that Nate created, as well as a discussion of the potential benefits and challenges of using AI in IT leadership. Nate and Mike also share their thoughts on the future of the Calculus of IT podcast and how AI might shape its content.

    Key takeaways:

    • AI is a powerful tool that can be used to enhance IT leadership, but it is important to remember that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human judgment and expertise.
    • The future of work will likely involve a combination of human and AI capabilities, and it is important for IT leaders to be prepared for this shift.
    • The Calculus of IT podcast will continue to explore the intersection of IT leadership and AI, providing listeners with insights and perspectives on how to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.

    This episode offers a thought-provoking look at the evolving relationship between IT leadership and AI, leaving listeners with a sense of both the opportunities and the challenges that lie ahead.



    Support the show

    The Calculus of IT website - https://www.thecoit.us
    "The New IT Leader's Survival Guide" Book - https://www.longwalk.consulting/library
    "The Calculus of IT" Book - https://www.longwalk.consulting/library
    The COIT Merchandise Store - https://thecoit.myspreadshop.com
    Buy us a Beer!! - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thecalculusofit
    Youtube - @thecalculusofit
    Slack - Invite Link
    Notta - The best audio transcriptions on the Internet
    Email - nate@thecoit.us
    Email - mike@thecoit.us

    Show more Show less
    21 mins

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