Episode 10 - Exploring Tech, Work Attire, and AI - Michael Colonno, Kyle Mullin, and Colleen Harper

In the 15th episode of SAs and IPAs, hosts Kyle Mullin and Rob Owen are joined by special guest Kyle Wiley for an engaging and lively discussion. The trio explores various topics, showcasing their unique perspectives and experiences in the world of technology and solutions architecture.

The episode kicks off with an entertaining revelation – a customized elf photo of Kyle Mullin that has everyone in stitches. The hosts dive into a beer review of Iron Hill Brewery's Philly Favorite IPA, sharing their thoughts on its taste and design, with witty banter and candid opinions.

As the conversation unfolds, the SAs touch on their diverse career paths, from early experiences in the industry to their current roles. They highlight the collaborative culture at CDI and discuss how individuals with different backgrounds and skills can find their place within the organization. Kyle Mullin and Rob Owen share anecdotes about CDI team members, including a delightful story about a colleague's unexpected journey from Business Development Representative to a Microsoft Licensing Solutions Architect.

The hosts also touch on the importance of adaptability and continuous learning, emphasizing how CDI's culture fosters growth and development. The episode is not just about technology; it delves into the personalities and dynamics that make CDI a unique and supportive workplace.

As the episode concludes, the hosts rate the beer and playfully critique its generic qualities, offering listeners a light-hearted and entertaining perspective on their beverage of choice.

Join Kyle Mullin, Kyle Wiley, and Rob Owen for an insightful and amusing episode that combines technology talk, career anecdotes, and beer reviews in the signature style of SAs and IPAs.

00:00 - Intro and Welcome

02:17 - The Hosts' Journey to CDI

03:06 - Career Progression and Learning Experiences

05:18 - The Value of Diverse Experiences in Pre-Sales

16:54 - Gifts and Beers

21:12 - Conclusion and Cheers

Welcome to Episode 14 of CDI's engaging podcast series, "SAs and IPAs." In this installment, join hosts Michael Colonno (AVP of Solution Architects) and Bob McCouch (Director of Network Architects at CDI), as they delve into the dynamic intersection of leadership and technological expertise. The lively conversation covers a range of topics, from building team culture in a rapidly evolving tech landscape to the challenges and rewards of content creation and delegation.

Bob shares insights into his unexpected journey from computer science studies to becoming a seasoned IT professional, highlighting the transformative role an Introduction to Computer Networking class played in redirecting his career. The hosts explore the importance of maintaining a wide breadth of skills in today's enterprise landscape, where versatility is highly valued.

The duo also touches on the evolving landscape of education in the IT field, discussing the benefits of specializing and empowering team members to focus on their areas of interest. Whether you're a seasoned IT professional or someone exploring the vast world of technology, this episode offers valuable perspectives and experiences.

As they wind down, Michael and Bob treat their audience to a delightful tasting experience of Melick's Hard Cider, a hoppy delight from New Jersey's own King Street Hops. The hosts recommend the crisp and dry beverage, offering a refreshing change from overly sweet alternatives.

Join the conversation, leave your comments, and share your thoughts on the CDI YouTube channel. Don't miss out on the wealth of knowledge shared in this episode—subscribe, hit the notification bell, and stay tuned for more exciting discussions in the SAs and IPAs series!

#CDI #SAsandIPAs #ITLeadership

00:00 Introduction and Hosts Presentation
01:21 Discussion on Leadership and Team Building
07:08 The Journey to Leadership and Management
11:26 The Art of Delegation and Empowerment
15:20 The Importance of Specialization and Continuous Learning
24:30 Wrap Up and Cider Review

Do you have questions or suggestions for the show? Or are you or someone you know a good guest to meet the guys? Reach out today at sasandipas@cdillc.com

In the 12th installment of SAs and IPAs, host Michael Colonno invites you on an enlightening journey into the world of technology, security, and channel sales. In this episode, he's joined by two seasoned tech professionals, Dan Gross and Fred Silverman, who bring their wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. 

The conversation kicks off by exploring the ever-evolving tech landscape, and the participants delve into the significance of keeping up with the rapid pace of technological advancements. Dan and Fred emphasize the importance of staying current in the tech industry, where innovation is the norm and learning never stops.

A major highlight of this episode is the deep dive into the realm of cybersecurity. With security breaches becoming increasingly common, the discussion underscores the urgency of taking a proactive approach in safeguarding sensitive data. Both guests discuss the complex nature of cybersecurity challenges and the holistic solutions required to address them.

As the conversation evolves, Dan and Fred share their insights into the unique challenges of working in channel sales. They discuss the crucial role of sales engineers in bridging the gap between technology and clients, helping organizations find the right solutions tailored to their needs.

Beyond the tech talk, the episode offers invaluable career advice for those aspiring to make their mark in the tech industry. The guests emphasize the importance of balancing a passion for technology with the ability to work effectively with people, solving problems, and building strong relationships.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the rapidly changing technology landscape, the significance of cybersecurity, and the rewarding aspects of working as a sales engineer in the channel. This engaging discussion will equip you with insights and industry trends, ensuring you're better prepared to navigate the multifaceted world of technology, security, and channel sales.

In the 11th episode of SAs and IPAs, hosts Michael Colonno and Rob Owen sit down with special guest Greg Bennett to embark on a thought-provoking journey into the intricate art of harmonizing a flourishing tech career with the responsibilities of family life. Greg, a seasoned tech leader with a wealth of experience, shares invaluable insights into leadership dynamics, work-life equilibrium, and how he manages to be fully present both for his family and his demanding career. 

Throughout the episode, Rob and Greg stress the significance of knowledge sharing within the tech industry, urging professionals to relinquish the idea of hoarding intellectual property. Instead, they emphasize the considerable value of work-life integration over rigid compartmentalization. The hosts engage in candid conversations about family etiquette, particularly the use of devices at the dinner table, highlighting the importance of fostering meaningful connections with loved ones. 

As the dialogue unfolds, the trio takes a delightful detour into the realm of beverages, discussing their favorite beers and libations. Rob’s unexpected affection for Natty Lights provides amusing insights into their personalizes. They conclude the episode by delving into the concept of leadership as portrayed in popular fiction, sharing their methods for extracting leadership principles from books and movies, which adds a fascinating twist to personal development. 

If you are a tech enthusiast seeking to excel in your career while nurturing a thriving family life, this episode offers a treasure trove of practical advice and real-life experiences. Dive into the world of work-life balance, leadership wisdom, and family values with the hosts of SAs and IPAs in this engaging and enlightening episode.

Do you have questions or suggestions for the show? Or are you or someone you know a good guest to meet the guys? Reach out today at sasandipas@cdillc.com

In the 10th episode of "SAs and IPAs," the hosts dive into a captivating discussion that blends technology, work attire, and the power of AI. Colleen Harper, Michael Colonno, and Kyle Mullin engage in a lively conversation, sharing their insights and experiences in the tech world. They explore topics ranging from the evolution of work attire post-COVID to the role of AI in learning and problem-solving.

The hosts reflect on how the tech industry has transformed work attire, shifting from traditional suits and ties to more casual and comfortable styles. They share anecdotes about their own preferences and experiences, with a touch of humor and personal stories that make the conversation relatable to professionals from various fields.

Throughout the episode, the trio delves into the use of AI in learning and adapting to new technologies. They discuss their approaches to learning new tools, utilizing AI resources like ChatGPT and Bard to enhance efficiency and understanding. Colleen emphasizes the value of human connections and mentorship in the learning process, advocating for leveraging the expertise of colleagues and peers.

The hosts also explore the potential impact of AI on content creation and search engine optimization, sharing their insights on how AI tools can streamline tasks while maintaining the human touch.

Join Colleen, Michael, and Kyle in this engaging episode as they share their unique perspectives on technology, work culture, and the synergy between AI and human intelligence.

🎙️ SA's Episode 9: Exploring IT, Marketing, and Non-Alcoholic Beer 🍻

Welcome to the 9th episode of "SAs and IPAs," the engaging podcast produced by CDI Studios that delves into the fascinating worlds of technology, marketing, and the IT industry. Join host Michael Colonno as he leads an enlightening discussion with special guest Heather, a newly-minted solutions architect at CDI. And Alyssa Hall, the Chief Marketing Officer at CDI.

In Part 1, the trio kicks things off with a light-hearted chat about non-alcoholic beer. They reminisce about their experiences with various brands, including the surprising taste of O'Doul's, and discuss the popularity of non-alcoholic beverages.

Part 2 takes a more serious turn as the conversation shifts to the focus on women in IT. Alyssa and Heather share their experiences in the industry and how CDI's Women of CDI group is making strides in supporting women in IT. They touch upon the significant increase in the percentage of women in STEM-related jobs due to the increased focus on empowering women in technology.

In Part 3, Heather reveals her journey into the security field, discussing her trials, errors, and passion for deceptive technologies in the cybersecurity landscape. The hosts also explore the data-driven aspects of marketing, highlighting the importance of ROI analysis and marketing operations.

The podcast continues with discussions on various marketing aspects in Part 4, including the challenges of driving attendance and interest in events, and the value of data-driven decision-making. Part 5 and Part 6 provide valuable insights into mentorship and career advice for aspiring IT professionals and marketers.

In the latter sections, Alyssa sheds light on the diverse facets of marketing, including business development, analytics, and event coordination. The hosts conclude by encouraging listeners to provide feedback and suggestions for future episodes through the email address SAsandIPAs@cdillc.com.

Join this dynamic trio for a captivating and educational episode that covers everything from non-alcoholic beer to marketing strategies and cybersecurity. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a marketing aficionado, or simply curious about the IT industry, "SA's Episode 9" offers a delightful blend of knowledge and entertainment.

Don't forget to visit CDI's website at cdillc.com to learn more about their innovative solutions and services. Cheers to an enriching podcast experience! 🍻🎧

Join Host Michael Colonno and Co-Host Bob McCouch as they sit down with Ed Smoke. In this episode of SA's and IPA's, they get into Ed’s career including an interesting time as a salesman; but what did Ed sell that had the guys laughing? They dive into the world of digital - covering topics like ‘What are people trying to automate?’ ‘How to lead and get people to grow both internally and external?' and . . . 'What the heck even is a Sneak Box?’

Have any questions, comments, or feedback? Reach out by sending an email to sasandipas@cdillc.com

Welcome back to SA's and IPA's! In this great episode, Michael and Kyle sit down with CDI Director of Solution Architects - Security, Christopher Whidden. In this episode, they tackle everything you want to know about being an SA in the security space. You can also learn about Chris' side hobby, but WARNING you will not want to listen to this hungry.

Get ready for another exciting episode of SA's and IPA's! In episode 6, your host Michael Colonno is joined by Bob McCouch and Kyle Mullin as they tackle the big questions in the world of Solution Architecture.



Find out what sets a standard Solution Architect (SA) apart from a Senior SA, hear some of the guys HOTTEST fashion takes, and you won't want to miss how much Michael can bench!


This episode is a must-listen for tech enthusiasts, Solution Architects, and anyone looking for a fun and engaging conversation. Tune in now for another episode of SA's and IPA's! Don't forget to like and subscribe to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes. 


#SAsandIPAs #TechPodcast #SolutionArchitecture #SeniorSolutionArchitects #GentlemansFashion #BenchPress #TechEnthusiasts

Welcome back to SA's and IPA's, the podcast that explores the world of Solution Architects and their journey in the tech industry. Hosted by Michael Colonno, this episode features special guests Jason McKenry and Jarett Kulm as they discuss items currently impacting the tech industry.

Join us as we discuss the importance of certifications and degrees for aspiring Solution Architects and delve into their career journeys, from their first steps in the industry to becoming successful Solution Architects. In addition, you'll hear their hilarious take on how kindergartners have become better at online meetings than adults.

This podcast is perfect for tech enthusiasts, Solution Architects, and anyone who wants to learn more about the industry. Tune in now for a fun, informative, and engaging conversation with SA's and IPA's. Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel for more exciting episodes!

 #SAsandIPAs #TechPodcast #SolutionArchitects #Certifications #Degrees #TechIndustry #CareerJourney #OnlineMeetings #KindergartenMastery #Podcast.