#16 The Secret Tech Behind Iron Man? Uncovering The Dynatrace - J.A.R.V.I.S. Connection Thriving In Ambiguity podcast

20:28

Dynatrace just changed the game. 🚀 I wasn’t even planning this episode—I’m in the middle of my series on the Dynatrace Platform—but last week, Dynatrace dropped a huge nugget: Gen 3 is here, and AI is at the forefront. I couldn’t wait to break down what this means for IT teams and share real-world examples of how AI is transforming what’s possible. In this episode of Thriving in Ambiguity, we cover: Why Dynatrace Gen 3 is a major leap forward for AI-driven operations How Minnesota, TD Bank, and SAP used Dynatrace to reclaim time, cut costs, and innovate faster The new capabilities behind Grail, Smartscape, and Davis AI that make autonomous IT a reality A roadmap you can follow to safely scale AI in your organization 📩 Got your own story or question? Email me at steve@thrivinginambiguity.com 🎙️ Subscribe for more unfiltered insights into tech’s biggest changes and how they impact you.…

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#19 No Capes Required: How Kroger’s Captain America Team Got Superpowers 24:32

22 days ago24:32

24:32

What do you get when you combine 16 monitoring tools, constant war room calls, and app chaos? For Kroger, it was a nightmare—until they flipped the script with Dynatrace. In this episode of Thriving in Ambiguity , I walk you through Kroger’s real-world transformation, featuring insights from Jay Cotton, their lead performance engineer. You’ll hear how their “Captain America Team” ditched the noise, tamed complexity, and became IT superheroes using AI-powered observability. We explore: How support tickets dropped from 700 to 7 a week What one agent can do across a hybrid cloud environment Why observability isn’t just monitoring—it’s innovation fuel The power of Davis AI, Smartscape, and PurePath in action Whether you’re in state government, higher ed, or enterprise IT, this story proves there’s a smarter, faster way to manage your apps—and get some sleep while you’re at it. 🎧 Subscribe to hear what’s next: Digital Experience Monitoring, including session replay, RUM, synthetic monitoring, and more.…

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#18 Get Your Team Back on Track – How AI and Dynatrace Restore Control to IT 14:32

5 weeks ago14:32

14:32

Welcome to Thriving in Ambiguity , the podcast where we break down complex tech—ideally without losing our minds. In this first episode of our Dynatrace series, I’m diving into Infrastructure Observability, the foundation of proactive IT operations. And we’re starting with a real-world nightmare: TD Bank, a $1.4 trillion financial institution, found out about system issues the same way many of us do… from their customers. Ouch. But then they flipped the script—by embracing Dynatrace’s AI-powered observability, they cut incident response times, eliminated tool sprawl, and freed up their teams to actually focus on business goals. 💥 TD Bank’s results: ✅ 25% more incidents identified proactively ✅ 20% faster resolution time ✅ 60% reduction in customer irritants ✅ 45% cost savings through tool consolidation ✅ 75% of AIOps-driven savings attributed to Dynatrace As a former IT Director, I’ve lived this pain. Your smartest people shouldn’t be stuck chasing tickets—they should be driving innovation. In this episode, I’ll break down how OneAgent, Smartscape, and Davis AI give teams the clarity and control they’ve been missing. 🔗 Subscribe for the full series: We’re covering every major Dynatrace capability—from logs to applications to security and automation. Don’t miss what’s next: Application Observability. 👍 Like. 💬 Comment. 🔔 Subscribe. Tell me—does your help desk still find out before you do? #Observability #Dynatrace #AIOps #InfrastructureMonitoring #TD Bank #ITLeadership #AI #Smartscape #DavisAI #ThrivingInAmbiguity #Podcast…

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#17 Observability 101: Why Your IT Tools Are Failing You - And What to Do About It 19:34

9 weeks ago19:34

19:34

Welcome to Episode #17 of Thriving in Ambiguity — the podcast where we cut through the chaos of modern tech without losing our minds. This week, we’re talking observability — not the buzzword version, but the real deal. From my days in the war room to what I’ve learned working with state agencies, Fortune 100s, and SaaS-heavy stacks, I’m breaking down: Why traditional monitoring is broken What Dynatrace does differently (and why it matters) Real customer stories — from the State of Michigan to Air France-KLM How developers, security, and ops can finally speak the same language Why Splunk users are making the switch And how to stop drowning in tools and start delivering business value If you’ve ever said, “It’s not our code” — this one’s for you. 👀 Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone still stuck in a war room. 📩 Want a live walkthrough or to see how Dynatrace could simplify your stack? Shoot me a message. Steve@thrivinginambiguity.com…

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#16 The Secret Tech Behind Iron Man? Uncovering the Dynatrace - J.A.R.V.I.S. Connection 11:11

10 weeks ago11:11

11:11

Welcome back to Thriving in Ambiguity , the podcast where we break down the complexities of technology — ideally without losing our minds. In this episode, we dive into a story you definitely haven’t heard before: the secret link between Stark Industries, the rise of J.A.R.V.I.S., and the unexpected tech platform that made it all possible — Dynatrace. Is it fiction? Is it fact? Well… let’s just say it’s loosely based on a true story 😉 From chaos in the cloud to predictive AI intelligence, discover how a platform built for observability may have quietly powered the most advanced AI assistant the world (and Marvel universe) has ever seen. 🔹 Featuring Davis AI, PurePath, Smartscape, Grail, and more 🔹 Perfect for fans of tech, storytelling, observability, and Iron Man 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and let me know in the comments: Coincidence… or conspiracy? #KeepThriving #Dynatrace #IronMan…

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#15 Crazy IT Stories - Porn Loopholes, Laptop Scandals & Surveillance Secrets! 23:22

11 weeks ago23:22

23:22

Welcome to Thriving in Ambiguity , the podcast where we unpack the complexities of technology—ideally without losing our minds. In our new series, Anonymous or Not: Crazy Stories in IT, veteran tech leader Steve Mancini shares jaw-dropping, hilarious, and sometimes uncomfortable real-world stories from over 20 years in IT. From bizarre security loopholes to inappropriate laptop discoveries and surveillance busts that could rival a crime show, nothing is off-limits. Whether you’re in tech or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this series dives into the wild side of IT that rarely gets told. Got your own crazy IT story? Reach out anonymously (or not) at steve@thrivinginambiguity.com.…

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#14 2025 NASCIO Recap: What’s Working, What’s Not, and What’s Next for State CIOs 21:34

14 weeks ago21:34

21:34

Just returned from the NASCIO 2025 Mid-Year Conference in Philadelphia, and there’s a lot to unpack. In this episode of Thriving in Ambiguity , I delve into the key takeaways from the event, shedding light on the evolving landscape of state IT leadership. Key Highlights: Cybersecurity remains the top priority for state CIOs, marking its 12th consecutive year at the forefront. Despite its prominence, discussions at the conference revealed a surprising lack of dedicated sessions on the topic, prompting questions about the depth of engagement on this critical issue. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has surged to the second spot in CIO priorities, reflecting its growing influence in state IT strategies. Sessions emphasized the transition of AI from experimental to essential, with a focus on data quality and governance as foundational elements for successful implementation. Digital Identity initiatives are gaining traction, yet concerns about privacy and data management persist. The debate centers on balancing the convenience of digital IDs with the imperative to protect citizen data from potential misuse. Workforce Modernization is a pressing concern, with states exploring innovative approaches to bridge skill gaps. Notably, Pennsylvania’s pilot programs demonstrate the potential of AI in streamlining processes and enhancing training for a vast workforce. Legacy System Modernization is underway, but challenges remain. States are grappling with the complexities of updating outdated infrastructures while ensuring continuity of services. Enterprise Architecture Standards are being leveraged to maximize productivity and cost savings. States like Michigan and Utah are leading the way in implementing standards that streamline IT operations and enhance service delivery. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of these topics and more, as we explore the current state and future direction of state IT leadership. 🔔 Subscribe to Thriving in Ambiguity for more insights into the intersection of technology and government. 💬 Engage with us: Share your thoughts on the evolving priorities of state CIOs and the implications for public sector innovation. #NASCIO2025 #StateCIO #Cybersecurity #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalIdentity #WorkforceModernization #LegacySystems #EnterpriseArchitecture #PublicSectorInnovation…

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#13 Tragedy at School - True Story: What We Got Wrong and What You Must Get Right 14:36

15 weeks ago14:36

14:36

A tragedy no school ever expects — and the hard lessons we learned too late. In this episode of Thriving in Ambiguity , I share the real story behind a crisis at Howard High School that changed everything. As the IT Director at the time, I thought we were ready. We weren’t. And today, I’m revealing what we got wrong — and what you must get right before it’s too late. In this episode: Why the best technology isn’t enough without real-world training How social media misinformation made everything worse Critical actions to take before an emergency strikes How to prepare your leadership, IT, and PR teams for a true crisis If you’re a school leader, IT director, or anyone responsible for student safety, these lessons could save lives — and careers. Don’t wait for tragedy. Prepare today. 🔔 Subscribe for leadership insights, public sector technology strategies, and real-world crisis management lessons. 📢 Share this episode with a colleague — the conversation could make all the difference. #SchoolSafety #CrisisManagement #LeadershipUnderPressure #ThrivingInAmbiguity #EmergencyPreparedness #PublicSectorLeadership…

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#12 Move Fast or Die Slow: How AI Is Coming for Complacent Companies 1:05:28

16 weeks ago1:05:28

1:05:28

AI isn’t just disrupting industries—it’s coming for companies that move too slow. In this no-fluff episode of Thriving in Ambiguity , I sit down with AI strategist and keynote speaker Chris Carr to pull back the curtain on what’s really happening behind the scenes with generative AI. Spoiler: it’s not a “someday” problem. It’s a right now problem. Here’s what we break down: How companies are quietly using AI to do 40 hours of work in under 5 minutes Why “pilot mode” is just a polite way of falling behind The rise of AI agents, memory, and autonomous decision-making How deepfakes, voice clones, and synthetic avatars are already reshaping HR, sales, and customer support Real-world use cases for AI in hiring, onboarding, sales strategy, and even preserving your legacy The simple framework to start building AI into your business—safely and strategically This isn’t theory. This is happening. Right now. And companies that fail to act? They’re handing the market to the ones who will. 📍 Hosted by Steve Mancini, HPE Solutions Advisor & host of Thriving in Ambiguity 📣 Don’t forget to subscribe, drop a comment, and share if this hit home.…

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#11 Shadow AI: The Hidden Threat No One Is Talking About (Yet) 17:06

17 weeks ago17:06

17:06

🚨 Shadow AI is here—and it’s not just a buzzword. Employees are bypassing IT to use generative AI tools in secret, often exposing sensitive data in the process. In this episode of Thriving in Ambiguity , Steve Mancini breaks down what Shadow AI is, why it’s exploding, and what organizations can do to get ahead of it. 👉 Featuring insights from AI strategist Chris Carr and real-world stories from the field. 🔒 Learn how to secure your AI future before it’s too late. 🔧 Explore how private AI models like HPE’s “AI in a box” can change the game. 📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell so you never miss a breakdown.…

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#10 LEADING PUBLIC SECTOR IT: LESSONS FROM THE INSIDE WITH FORMER PA DEPUTY CIO JASON HEBBE 43:19

18 weeks ago43:19

43:19

In Episode 10 of Thriving in Ambiguity , I sit down with Jason Hebbe, former Deputy CIO for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to talk shop about what it really takes to lead IT in state government. We cover everything from: Multi-cloud strategies that actually work How to rein in rogue tools across agencies Why partnerships fail (and how to fix them) Smarter ways to navigate RFPs and procurement Building trust to avoid shadow IT Where AI and cybersecurity are headed in public sector tech Jason brings over 30 years of IT experience to the mic, and this one is packed with insight you can use immediately. Time Topic 0:00:00 Intro + Jason Hebbe’s Public Sector Journey 0:03:28 Motivation Behind Serving in Government IT 0:06:56 Aligning Technology with Business Needs 0:09:42 Streamlining Statewide IT and Tool Consolidation 0:12:29 Driving Communication and Change Across Agencies 0:15:15 Avoiding Shadow IT Through Inclusion 0:16:38 Enterprise Contracts and Budget Optimization 0:18:43 Avoiding RFPs with Smarter Procurement 0:20:48 Best Practices for Multi-Cloud and Hybrid Strategies 0:25:39 Cloud Native vs. Lift-and-Shift 0:29:07 How Partners Can Bring Real Value 0:33:59 The Role of Cybersecurity and AI Over the Next 5 Years 0:38:08 Clean Data and Governance for AI Success 0:43:00 Final Thoughts and Career Advice from Jason Hebbe…

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#9 - Mike Shelborn Inside Zerto on Resilient IT for State & Local Government 37:19

19 weeks ago37:19

37:19

In this episode of Thriving in Ambiguity , I sit down with Mike Shelborn from HPE’s Zerto team to talk about how state and local government agencies can radically rethink disaster recovery and ransomware resilience. We break down: ✅ Why traditional backup isn’t cutting it anymore ✅ What Continuous Data Protection (CDP) actually means ✅ How Zerto helps agencies recover in minutes — not days ✅ Real-world examples from the public sector ✅ How Zerto fits into hybrid cloud and “Cloud Smart” strategies If you’re an IT leader navigating legacy tech, tight budgets, or increasing cyber threats, this episode is a must-watch. 👉 Ready to explore Zerto for your agency? Reach out and let’s talk. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on public sector tech, leadership, and staying ahead in a world of constant change.…

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#8 - What is Agentic AI? From Annoying Assistants to Autonomous Action 5:49

20 weeks ago5:49

5:49

We all know Siri kinda sucks—but what if your AI could actually get things done for you, without even asking? That’s the promise of agentic AI, and it’s not sci-fi anymore. In this episode of Thriving in Ambiguity , host Steve Mancini breaks down how agentic AI takes things to the next level—planning, reasoning, and acting autonomously. From NVIDIA’s push to make it mainstream, to real-world examples in healthcare, customer service, and beyond—this is your guide to the next big leap in AI. No fluff, just real talk on how AI is about to stop answering questions—and start solving problems.…

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#7 - Maximizing Your Virtual Environment with HPE Private Cloud Business Edition 15:40

22 weeks ago15:40

15:40

Join Steve Mancini on Thriving in Ambiguity as he breaks down how HPE Private Cloud Business Edition (PCBE) and HPE VM Essentials can simplify your VMware environment—or even replace it. Discover how HPE’s disaggregated hardware design lowers licensing costs, and see why the GreenLake Cloud Console is a game-changer for unified management across networking, servers, storage, and more. If you’re curious about alternatives after Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware, or just want a streamlined private cloud option, this episode is for you. Topics Covered: • Disaggregated hardware benefits • HPE Alletra MP and 100% data availability • Side-by-side VMware and VM Essentials deployments • GreenLake Cloud Console’s unified management • PCBE as a fully managed service (Private Cloud Enterprise) Action Items: • Check out HPE GreenLake for demos • Request a cost assessment • Reach out to an HPE rep or partner for deeper insights Like and subscribe for more IT strategy, virtualization, and public-sector tech content!…

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#6 – Mac Avancena on Leading Government IT: Modernization, AI & Leadership Strategies 1:05:20

23 weeks ago1:05:20