AI Insights – EP.2: Unlocking Cost-Effective AI with Small Language Models

In this episode, we interview Jean Christophe Rode, principal engineer working in the IOS-XR engineering team. He also specalizes in SONIC support. He explains how this open source operating system is gaining ground and what are the difference with Cisco proprietary IOS-XR. No blue Hedgehogs are mentioned in this episode

Ian’s out, Carina’s in (for a week) — and somehow 404 is both nicer and more organized? In this week’s episode, Kat is joined by her best friend in marketing, Carina Barreto for a very real and relatable deep dive into life in field marketing. From partner strategy and demand gen to why events are way more than just catering and a PowerPoint, the two unpack what actually makes a customer say “yes” — and why experiential marketing is the way. They also get into the unspoken truth of the role: sales is your best friend (like, 80% of your calendar kind of best friend), the art of saying yes before you earn the right to say no, and how building internal advocates can make or break your success. Along the way, expect tangents on MBA survival, women-focused executive events, and the eternal question of what sounds better than just staying home? No Ian this week, but don’t worry — Kat and Carina still manage to get their jokes in just like he's there. If you like the show, give us a click to keep the funding coming: id.cisco.com/app/ciscoid_aemcloudprodsaml_1/exk14lk1xf6SKDANc5d7/sso/saml

In the latest episode of the Cisco AI Insights Podcast, hosts Rafael Herrera and Sónia Marques welcome Cisco AI operations engineer James Tidd for a discussion on the world of small language models (SLMs) and the evolution of efficient AI inference. Together, they unravel the complexities behind “Fast Inference from Transformers via Speculative Decoding,” a groundbreaking paper from Google that explores how smaller draft models can speed up large language model predictions while maintaining accuracy. James shares his hands-on experience experimenting with the technique, leveraging knowledge distillation and speculative execution. The trio also discusses the potential of this approach to optimize AI, reduce power consumption and costs, and help businesses of all sizes get more out of existing hardware. A special thank you to Google’s AI team for developing this month's paper. If you are interested in reading the paper yourself, please visit this link: https://research.google/blog/looking-back-at-speculative-decoding/.

Cisco SE Talks: AI in Manufacturing with Sentinel- Episode 8 is LIVE! In this episode of Cisco SE Talks, we dive deep into the practical applications of AI with many of our manufacturing customers. We’re thrilled to also bring in Bob Keblusek – Chief Innovation and Technology Office at Sentinel and Richard Sonnen, Director of AI Innovation and Matt LeMasters, Cisco SE as we talk through customer pain points and challenges specific to manufacturing and true partnership with Cisco. As part of the discussion – we also discuss how Cloud with AI can sometime be the easy button, but often comes with Security challenges and ultimate cost restraints. Join us for this jam-packed session – we’re Cisco SEs lead the way! Watch the full episode now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGoNjF93Mxo

AB sits down with Gordon Thomson, Cisco’s SVP EMEA Sales and EMEA President, for a great talk about The EMEA Moment, sovereign critical infrastructure, and how AI is a tool that is helping unlock human potential.

What does it really take to lead through massive change? In this special edition episode: Talking Shift, we explore the human side of transformation — in the middle of the biggest partner evolution in 25+ years: The Cisco 360 Partner Program. But this conversation goes deeper than programs. Jeff Edwards sits with Jon Sanchez, Founder and CEO of Team Performance Institute, to unpack… why change is so hard? Because it challenges identity. Because leaders move faster than their teams. Because we expect adoption without allowing the process. This episode is about failing forward, becoming a beginner again, and leading with empathy through uncertainty. 🚀 Why listen? • A powerful lens on identity — and why change feels personal • Practical insight on guiding teams through transformation • A reminder that growth requires awareness, not perfection If you’re navigating change in your role, your team, or your business — this one’s for you. Let’s keep Talking Shift.

AB sits down with Zeus Kerravala, founder of ZK Research and a leading technology industry analyst, for a great conversation on the role analysts play in the world of tech, trends and innovations related to AI infrastructure, why the network is critical to AI workloads, and more.

Fran Katsoudas, Cisco's EVP and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer, discusses her 29-year Cisco journey and shares insights on AI’s workplace impact.

Carlos Pereira, Cisco Fellow & CX Chief Architect, discusses real AI adoption challenges/opportunities, and why Cisco is the trusted AI partner for businesses.

Kat enters her MBA era and quickly learns that going back to school with a full-time job is less glow-up and more calendar Tetris, midnight accounting homework, and life choices made over coffee and mild panic. We get into the real reason she chose to go back to school, and the career pivot logic before the conversation turns to time management, burnout, and the very real kitchen-counter study sessions. Kat shares insights into the cost (financial and other...), tradeoffs, and the networking perks of being in an executive program. Ian does his best to avoid sounding like Michael Scott as he asks questions throughout. An honest, slightly chaotic look at balancing work, school, and real life—plus why going back to class hits differently when you actually chose to be there. If you like the show, and want us to keep our jobs, give us a click here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html Thanks, Kowalski!