🎙️ Episode 35: AI and Ethics - Why Srini Trusts the Tech, Not Always the People

Artificial intelligence is transforming our world - but are we thinking enough about the consequences?

In Episode 35 of Silicon Heartland Sessions, Srini Koushik, President of Technology and Sustainability at Rackspace Technology, shares a candid and thought-provoking take on the ethical challenges of AI. From the environmental cost of generative AI to the human values that should guide innovation, Srini explores the question: “Just because we can—should we?”

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the intersection of technology, sustainability, and ethics.

Key Takeaways:

• The hidden environmental cost of AI and why it matters

• How to design innovation that is safe, secure, and sustainable

• The moral hazards of disruptive technology

• Why trust in AI ultimately comes down to human decision-making

• How leaders can balance progress with responsibility

Special thanks to our sponsors for powering this conversation:

• Rackspace Technology - your trusted multi-cloud solutions partner.

• Varonis - protecting enterprise data where it lives - on-prem and in the cloud.

• Trace3 - helping organizations innovate through advanced IT strategy and execution.

• Sigma Computing - enabling business users to explore live data without code.

🎙️ Episode 34: Bold Decisions, Big Impact - Srini Koushik on Leadership Under Pressure

In this episode, we’re joined by Srini Koushik, President of Technology and Sustainability at Rackspace Technology, who takes us inside the mind of a leader in high-stakes environments.

You’ll hear about the moment he said no to a CEO’s request, the leadership lessons he learned from Steve Jobs, and why he believes hiring someone who’s never failed is a red flag. If you’re in a position where you’re expected to lead through ambiguity or pressure, this episode is a masterclass.

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Rackspace Technology, enabling cloud-native innovation with unmatched expertise.

Varonis, delivering world-class data security and threat detection.

Trace3, empowering digital transformation through next-gen technology.

And Sigma Computing, redefining data exploration for business users.

🎙️ Episode 33: From Curiosity to CTO - Srini Koushik’s 39-Year Journey in Tech

How do you stay relevant in an industry that reinvents itself every few years? For Srini Koushik, President AI and Sustainability at Rackspace Technology, the answer is simple:

Never stop learning.In this episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, Srini takes us through his 39-year career - from his early days as a developer at IBM to leading global technology and sustainability efforts. Along the way, he shares why curiosity is the ultimate career superpower, how he’s embraced reinvention (including picking up guitar at 50), and what it really takes to thrive in the ever-changing world of tech.If you’re passionate about technology, leadership, and personal growth, this episode will leave you inspired to keep chasing the next big thing - no matter where you are in your journey.🎧 In this episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, you’ll learn:✅ Why curiosity is the ultimate career superpower✅ How to reinvent yourself at any stage✅ Srini’s advice for thriving in a fast-changing tech landscape🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: • Rackspace Technology - We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security. • Varonis - The leader in data security and insider threat detection. • Trace3 - AI to help your business run, grow, and transform. • Sigma Computing - Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.

🎙️ Episode 32: Tushar Kulkarni - From Curiosity to CEO: Building with Heart in the Age of AIIn this inspiring episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we sit down with Tushar Kulkarni, Founder & CEO of Big Kitty Labs, to explore the winding road from relentless curiosity to startup success.Tushar opens up about the early days of entrepreneurship - from maxing out credit cards and draining savings to chasing down a vision powered by belief, creativity, and heart. We dive deep into what it means to lead with empathy, build fast, and remain grounded while working at the edge of what’s possible with AI.As we explore what it means to build in the age of artificial intelligence, Tushar reflects on the power of possibility in the next generation of innovators:“One advantage all of these youngsters have is they have fresh mind.” Whether you’re a founder, technologist, or lifelong learner, this episode reminds us that the path to innovation isn’t linear - it’s human, heart-driven, and rooted in care.🔑 Key Takeaways: •💡 You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. Belief, grit, and curiosity go a long way. • 💡 Empathy isn’t soft—it’s strategic. Building for real people starts with listening deeply. • 💡 Education and experimentation must go hand in hand in an AI-driven world. • 💡 Startups are about scrappiness, creativity, and relentless pursuit—not perfection. • 💡 The next generation’s advantage? A fresh mind and fewer limiting beliefs.🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: • Rackspace Technology - We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security. • Varonis - The leader in data security and insider threat detection. • Trace3 - AI to help your business run, grow, and transform. • Sigma Computing - Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.

🎙️ Episode 31: Scott Shafer - Servant Leadership, Security, and Staying True to What MattersIn this episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we sit down with Scott Shafer, Director of Sales Engineering at Varonis, for a conversation that goes far beyond technology.Scott shares an honest, deeply personal look at what it really means to lead in cybersecurity, an industry that never sleeps—and how staying true to your purpose can help you weather any storm.From his early days in fintech to leading teams protecting the world’s most sensitive data, Scott reflects on:

✅ Why burnout is real—and how discipline, self-awareness, and trust in your team keep you grounded✅ The power of servant leadership and creating environments where people feel safe to grow✅ The lesson that winning alone is always a loss eventually✅ How embracing curiosity and saying yes can redefine your career and your impact✅ Why it’s time to stop letting fear and linear thinking dictate your path“Everything you’re going to do in this life is driven by some factor. If you can eliminate fear from being one of them, you’re going to have a much more fruitful experience.” — Scott ShaferWhether you’re an aspiring technologist or a seasoned leader, this episode will challenge you to rethink your priorities, trust your instincts, and lead with authenticity.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in.🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: • Rackspace Technology – We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security. • Varonis – The leader in data security and insider threat detection. • Trace3 – AI to help your business run, grow, and transform. • Sigma Computing – Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.

🎙️ Episode 30: Live from Cloud Nirvana Columbus - Startups vs. Enterprise in the Age of AI

In this special milestone episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we recorded live on stage at the Cloud Nirvana Columbus Conference, bringing together an incredible panel of leaders from startups and enterprises to explore one question:

How is AI transforming the way we build software - and what does that mean for the future of work?

Our panelists share honest, unfiltered insights about:

✅ Why startups are moving at the speed of curiosity while enterprises balance innovation with risk

✅ The rise of vibe coding and what it means for prototyping, security, and product quality

✅ How AI is shifting skill sets - and why critical thinking and human connection still matter most

✅ Where AI is delivering real value across the SDLC, and where caution is still required

🔥 Startup Leaders:

• Nate Lusher – Founder & Principal Consultant, Renew Work

• Nilanjan Raychaudhuri – Founder, Tublian

• Tushar Kulkarni – CEO & Founder, Big Kitty Labs

• Ray Bohac – CEO & Co-Founder, Spearfish

🔥 Enterprise Leaders:

• Justin Wilkins – Field CTO, Varonis

• James Schumacher – Enterprise Architect, Honda

“If you really want to use AI, you have to use it every single day. You have to practice every single day.” – James Schumacher, Honda

Whether you’re scaling a startup or transforming an enterprise, this episode is full of practical advice, real-world lessons, and fresh perspectives on what it takes to build - and lead - in this era of AI-powered change.

🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

• Rackspace Technology – We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security.

• Varonis – The leader in data security and insider threat detection.

• Trace3 – AI to help your business run, grow, and transform.

• Sigma Computing – Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.

  
  

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.

🎙️ Episode 29: Michael Fulton - Building Legacy through Architecture, Leadership & CommunityIn this episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we sit down with Michael Fulton - Enterprise Architect at Koch, Adjunct Faculty at The Ohio State University, and Co-Founder of Tech Community Nexus - to explore a life and career shaped by influence, service, and intention.Michael’s story is a rare blend of strategic thinking and human connection. From teaching future technologists to leading enterprise transformation, he shares how architecture, mentorship, and innovation intersect to create lasting impact.We dive into:✅ The moment he realized enterprise architecture was his calling✅ Why a shared vision is the foundation for any successful transformation✅ The importance of building context alongside content in tech careers✅ How leadership is about what you guide - not how you control✅ Why Tech Community Nexus exists to help leaders grow, find their way, and elevate others“You’re not on the journey alone. It’s always better to go together.” - Michael FultonWhether you’re a rising technologist or a seasoned executive, this episode will challenge and encourage you to lead with clarity, build with purpose, and stay rooted in what matters most.🔑 Key Takeaways: • Discipline and context - not hours - create sustainable impact • Great leaders focus on what and empower others to define how • EA is about simplifying complexity, not adding to it • Community isn’t a luxury - it’s how we keep up with change • Legacy is crafted one conversation, one insight, one relationship at a time🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: • Rackspace Technology - We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security. • Varonis - The leader in data security and insider threat detection. • Trace3 - AI to help your business run, grow, and transform. • Sigma Computing - Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🎙️ Episode 28: Alfred Gracias - Building Bridges, Leading with Gratitude, and Disrupting with HeartIn this inspiring episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we sit down with Alfred Gracias, Founder & CEO of Digital T3, whose career spans continents, technologies, and transformations. Alfred isn’t just building applications - he’s building bridges between startups and enterprises, technology and humanity, vision and reality.From growing up in India to leading global teams, Alfred shares his deeply personal journey of unlearning corporate habits, launching a successful consultancy, and cultivating a culture of trust, empowerment, and clarity.We explore:✅ The three T’s of his company’s DNA: Target, Technique, and Team✅ Why he left a stable corporate job to chase something more meaningful✅ What it means to empower others to fail safely and lead boldly✅ How a mindset of curiosity, gratitude, and storytelling fuels lasting impact✅ The book that changed his leadership philosophy: The New Kingmakers✅ What enterprises can learn from the startup world - and vice versaWhether you’re a founder, a builder, or a technologist navigating your own path, this episode is packed with wisdom on people-first leadership, responsible AI adoption, and staying true to what matters most.🔑 Key Takeaways: • “If you’re building transformation without involving people, you’re not transforming anything.” • “You miss 100% of the opportunities you don’t ask for - so ask.” • “Disrupt yourself before the world does.” • “The most underrated leadership trait? Gratitude.”🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: • Rackspace Technology – We advise, design, build, and manage solutions across multicloud, applications, data, and security. • Varonis – The leader in data security and insider threat detection. • Trace3 – AI to help your business run, grow, and transform. • Sigma Computing – Business intelligence built for the cloud. Live, collaborative analytics for data-driven teams.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in!