Episodes

  • Calculus of IT - Season 2 Episode 1b - NLM Bot Jort - "Welcome Back!"
    Jan 16 2025

    This is just a funny short of when the bots just go really wrong.....

    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
    Email - nate@thecoit.us
    Email - mike@thecoit.us

    Show more Show less
    11 mins
  • Calculus of IT - Season 2 Episode 1a - NLM Bot TL;DR - "Welcome Back!"
    Jan 16 2025

    Aaaaaaand we are back!! Welcome back to the Calculus of IT Podcast!! In Season 2, we will focus on how Autonomy, Risk, Productivity, and Innovation intersect and how IT Leaders can construct an optimal equilibrium for their worlds. When is it okay to concede autonomy to achieve an outcome, and when have you gone too far? Do I follow the herd, and who the fuck is the actual herd? Do I build AI into my 2025 strategic plan even though it doesn’t fit? What should I be doing around ethics and acceptable use? How much money does anything even cost anymore? Where should I be innovating, and how exactly do I innovate? How does this impact everything else I am doing? These and other questions will be answered throughout the season.

    Additionally, for all of our episodes this season we will be releasing the official episode, a Bot-driven TL;DR version (this one), and occasionally a jort or two to keep things interesting. Welcome back everyone!! It's going to be a great season.

    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
    Email - nate@thecoit.us
    Email - mike@thecoit.us

    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • Calculus of IT - Season 2 Episode 1 - Official - "Welcome Back!"
    Jan 16 2025

    Aaaaaaand we are back!! Welcome back to the Calculus of IT Podcast!! In Season 2, we will focus on how Autonomy, Risk, Productivity, and Innovation intersect and how IT Leaders can construct an optimal equilibrium for their worlds. When is it okay to concede autonomy to achieve an outcome, and when have you gone too far? Do I follow the herd, and who the fuck is the actual herd? Do I build AI into my 2025 strategic plan even though it doesn’t fit? What should I be doing around ethics and acceptable use? How much money does anything even cost anymore? Where should I be innovating, and how exactly do I innovate? How does this impact everything else I am doing? These and other questions will be answered throughout the season.

    Additionally, for all of our episodes this season we will be releasing the official episode (this one), a Bot-driven TL;DR version (courtesy of NLM), and occasionally a jort or two to keep things interesting. Welcome back everyone!! It's going to be a great season.

    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
    Email - nate@thecoit.us
    Email - mike@thecoit.us

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 11 mins
  • 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
    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 lives.



    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
    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
    Email - nate@thecoit.us
    Email - mike@thecoit.us

    Show more Show less
    21 mins
  • Calculus of IT - Bonus Episode 12 - 12/24/24 - AI Redux of Episodes 32-34
    Dec 24 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 32-34 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, Mike, and their guests, Kevin and Joel, as they explore the evolving landscape of IT in a three-part discussion.

    • Episode 32: The Rise of the Citizen Developer
      • The hosts discuss the increasing prevalence of "citizen developers"—individuals outside of IT who leverage no-code/low-code platforms and automation tools to build solutions for their work.
      • They examine the challenges and opportunities this trend presents for IT leaders, including governance, data security, and turnover.
      • They explore strategies for managing and empowering citizen developers, emphasizing collaboration and enablement.
    • Episode 33: Changing the IT Paradigm, Part 1
      • The hosts reflect on their professional journeys and how the IT landscape has shifted over time.
      • They discuss the pressures IT leaders face to drive innovation and manage technical debt.
      • They explore the evolving role of IT service, with a focus on streamlining processes and empowering users through self-service and digital champions.
    • Episode 34: Changing the IT Paradigm, Part 2
      • The hosts examine whether the traditional IT department model is still relevant and explore alternative approaches, such as decentralized and matrixed IT.
      • They discuss the future of IT leadership roles, questioning the relevance of the CIO position and advocating for a shift in focus towards business enablement and strategic partnership.
      • They consider the skills and attributes required for future IT leaders, emphasizing adaptability, communication, and a deep understanding of business needs.

    Tune in to gain valuable insights into the forces shaping the future of IT and the strategies IT leaders can employ to navigate this dynamic environment. The hosts and their guests offer practical advice, engaging anecdotes, and thought-provoking discussions that will challenge your assumptions and inspire new ways of thinking about IT's role in the modern organization.



    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
    Email - nate@thecoit.us
    Email - mike@thecoit.us

    Show more Show less
    16 mins
  • Calculus of IT - Bonus Episode 11 - 12/22/24 - AI Redux of Episodes 29-31
    Dec 22 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 29-31 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.

    In Episode 29, Nate and Mike discuss why companies give every employee the ability to create documents. They consider the potential benefits of limiting document creation rights to a smaller group of employees. This could improve employee experience by:

    • Allowing employees to develop deeper expertise in their respective roles rather than spreading themselves thin across multiple tasks
    • Producing higher-quality documents, as employees would put more effort into each one

    Mike generally favors allowing all employees to create documents in their personal folders, while Nate is more open to the idea of limiting document creation rights in order to consolidate data sprawl and improve document quality.

    Episode 30 focuses on the history, evolution, and potential future of intranets. Mike and Nate reflect on their past experiences with intranets and discuss the challenges of keeping intranet content up-to-date. They also discuss the rise of cloud-based collaboration tools like Slack and Notion, and how these tools could be used to create modern, dynamic intranets that are more user-friendly and efficient than traditional intranets.

    Episode 31 centers around AI and its impact on IT. Nate and Mike discuss the role of AI in governance, cybersecurity, and decision-making. They consider the benefits and risks of using AI to automate tasks, generate policies, and detect security threats. They also touch on the potential for AI to change team structures and create new job roles.

    Throughout the three episodes, Nate and Mike offer their unique perspectives and insights on a wide range of IT-related topics. They engage in lively discussions, share anecdotes from their own experiences, and provide practical advice for IT leaders and professionals.



    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
    Email - nate@thecoit.us
    Email - mike@thecoit.us

    Show more Show less
    14 mins