3159: How Smoothstack is Closing the IT Skills Gap

How can the tech industry close the widening skills gap while creating meaningful career opportunities for diverse talent? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with John Akkara, CEO and co-founder of Smoothstack, a company on a mission to bridge the gap between IT education and real-world industry needs. John shares his inspiring journey—from an immigrant student on a tennis scholarship to a leader reshaping how tech talent is identified, trained, and deployed. His experiences with mentorship and career-defining opportunities now fuel his commitment to providing others with a clear pathway into technology careers. We discuss how Smoothstack’s Hire-Train-Deploy model is different from traditional education and bootcamps, simulating real-world project environments where trainees work in agile teams, participate in peer code reviews, and gain hands-on experience tailored to employer needs. John highlights the severity of the IT skills gap—where demand far outpaces supply—and explains how industries like cybersecurity and software development are being affected. Diversity and inclusion are core to Smoothstack’s approach, with a strong emphasis on increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech. John discusses the company’s efforts to boost participation among women and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as future plans to leverage remote work to expand access to tech careers in economically distressed areas. What will it take to build a more inclusive and sustainable tech workforce? Tune in to learn how Smoothstack is making a real impact, and share your thoughts on how businesses can rethink talent development in the digital age.

How is the future of payments evolving, and what role does technology play in shaping seamless, secure, and scalable financial transactions? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I explore these questions with Niv Liran, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Unzer, a company redefining payments across Europe by integrating cloud technology, AI, and security-driven innovations. Unzer has undergone a major transformation, unifying multiple acquired companies into a single, scalable platform, Unzer-1. Niv shares insights into this journey, explaining how consolidating payments infrastructure in the cloud has enabled greater agility, improved security, and ensured compliance in an increasingly regulated fintech landscape. He also highlights how Unzer’s approach to unified commerce is streamlining transactions for merchants, seamlessly bridging in-store, online, and mobile payments. We discuss how AI is playing a crucial role in fraud detection and payment security, helping businesses monitor user behavior, detect anomalies, and prevent cyber threats while minimizing friction for customers. As Europe accelerates toward a cashless economy, Niv provides perspectives on how evolving consumer habits, the rise of digital wallets, and innovations like SoftPOS are reshaping the industry. With a focus on localized payment solutions and deep regulatory expertise, Unzer is setting new standards in fintech. But as digital payments continue to evolve, how can businesses ensure they stay ahead of security challenges while providing seamless experiences for customers? Join us as we explore the technology behind modern payments and the future of commerce.

How can quantum computing move beyond theory and become a practical tool for businesses and researchers? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I explore this question with Michael Gleaves, a UK-based AI and quantum expert at Eviden, the Atos Group business specializing in advanced computing. Eviden has been at the forefront of quantum innovation, launching Qaptiva™, a quantum computing ecosystem designed to integrate real-world applications with classical high-performance computing. The company recently announced its first hosted quantum computer, offering both physical and remote access to organizations looking to experiment and develop quantum-powered solutions. Michael shares insights into the company’s partnership with IQM Quantum Computers and how this collaboration is helping to improve qubit stability, enhance optimization models, and make quantum computing more accessible across industries. We discuss real-world use cases where quantum computing is already showing promise, from optimizing logistics and financial modeling to accelerating materials science and chemical simulations. Michael also unpacks the challenges that businesses face in adopting quantum technologies, including the complexities of integrating quantum with existing HPC and AI workflows, translating real-world problems into quantum-compatible formats, and overcoming hardware limitations in the noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era. As quantum computing transitions from research labs to operational environments, how can businesses gain a competitive edge by engaging with these emerging technologies today? Join us for this deep dive into the state of quantum computing, its near-term applications, and what the future holds for industries looking to harness its power.

How can data and artificial intelligence reshape healthcare to create better patient outcomes? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Dr. Mitesh Rao, founder and CEO of OMNY Health, about his mission to build a more connected and collaborative healthcare system. With a background in emergency medicine and hospital leadership, he launched OMNY Health out of frustration with the siloed nature of healthcare data, which limits innovation and patient care. OMNY Health now represents data from nearly 80 million patients across the U.S., serving as a bridge between healthcare providers, researchers, and life sciences companies. Dr. Rao explains how his company is tackling some of the biggest challenges in healthcare—unifying fragmented data, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations, and providing a secure foundation for AI-driven advancements in medicine. We explore how this data network is enabling breakthroughs in precision medicine, pharmacovigilance, and clinical research, ensuring that new treatments are developed based on real-world evidence. Dr. Rao also shares insights on the role of AI in healthcare, the importance of diverse and representative data in training AI models, and how secure, compliant data-sharing can support the next wave of medical innovation. With plans to expand OMNY Health's network to 150 million patients, what does the future hold for healthcare data and AI-driven medicine? Join the conversation to find out, and share your thoughts on the role of data in transforming patient care.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by Eric Ormson and Chris Rakel from AEG, an organization redefining how companies approach recruitment and workforce development. With years of experience in staffing specialized sectors like IT and engineering, Eric and Chris offer a fresh perspective on tackling the unique challenges of recruiting and retaining top technical talent in today’s competitive market. We discuss how the recruitment landscape has evolved into a global competition for talent, where remote work and changing employee expectations are reshaping how companies attract and retain their workforce. Eric and Chris highlight why outdated recruiting methods, like relying solely on passive job postings, are no longer effective and how companies must focus on authenticity, transparency, and alignment with personal values to win over high-demand candidates. For startups and companies in growth mode, we explore practical strategies to compete for technical talent in a crowded market. From budgeting 20% more for labor costs to adopting contract-to-hire and fractional employee models, Eric and Chris emphasize the importance of flexibility and a clear vision. They also discuss how AEG has successfully tripled its size since 2019 by emphasizing long-term value, meaningful connections, and a consultative approach in staffing. As the conversation unfolds, we examine how company culture plays a critical role in attracting and retaining talent. With employees seeking more than just compensation, the focus has shifted toward fostering alignment with organizational goals and delivering on cultural promises. We also dive into how AI and automation are reshaping recruitment processes, balancing the efficiency of technology with the irreplaceable value of the human touch. How can companies navigate the future of recruitment while staying authentic, adaptable, and people-focused? Tune in to discover actionable insights and strategies to help your organization thrive in the evolving world of workforce development.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Chad Fowler, a mission-critical business leader at HED, to discuss how the future of data center design is being shaped by sustainability, community engagement, and the growing influence of AI. Data centers currently account for around 1% of global electricity consumption, and with AI accelerating demand, their environmental impact is becoming a pressing challenge. Chad shares how HED is pioneering innovative solutions to create greener, more efficient, and community-friendly data centers. Chad highlights strategies to make data centers more energy-efficient, from advancements in air management to exploring new materials like low-carbon concrete. He emphasizes the importance of integrating green design not only to reduce environmental impact but also to enhance profitability, attract premium tenants, and increase long-term asset value. We also explore how HED works with clients to continuously optimize planning and construction processes to minimize resource use and environmental harm. One of the key challenges in developing data centers is overcoming opposition from local communities. Chad explains how educating the public about the critical role data centers play in supporting everyday technology can turn NIMBY ("Not In My Backyard") resistance into active cooperation. By designing aesthetically appealing, sustainable facilities and hosting community engagement events, HED helps communities understand the benefits of these essential infrastructures. We also dive into how the rapid growth of AI is influencing data center design. From evolving cooling technologies to addressing changing power and space requirements, Chad discusses how data centers must adapt to remain flexible in an AI-driven world. He also provides insight into future trends, including the integration of modular reactors, advancements in battery technology, and the development of standardized sustainability metrics for the industry. How are companies like HED shaping the future of data center design to balance sustainability, profitability, and community impact? Tune in to discover the innovative solutions driving the industry forward.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I examine the transformative rise of agentic AI and its profound impact on the Gaming and tech industries in 2025. Joining me is Richard Dennys the CEO of Game Lounge, a company driving innovation in iGaming and achieving remarkable growth, including a 30% increase in net profit. With a global reach across more than 130 SEO-driven websites in 60 countries, Game Lounge is shaping the future of the industry through its GLX startup incubator, designed to harness the power of agentic AI. We discuss how agentic AI is revolutionizing efficiency and personalization while presenting significant challenges. As gambling regulations become stricter, agentic AI also introduces risks by enabling sophisticated black-market operations and illegal transactions. Could these regulatory pressures inadvertently drive users toward unregulated markets? Beyond regulation, we explore how agentic AI is set to transform the workforce. By 2025, remote service roles may face disruption, but opportunities will emerge for those who transition into AI training and optimization roles. The conversation highlights how individuals can build skills in strategic decision-making and AI collaboration to thrive in this evolving landscape. How will agentic AI reshape industries, challenge regulations, and transform careers in the coming years? Tune in to uncover these insights and more.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I explore the cutting-edge intersection of AI and software development with Justine Gehring, an AI researcher at Moderne and the author of AI for Mass-Scale Code Refactoring and Analysis. Justine shares her insights into how AI is addressing one of the most complex challenges in the industry: large-scale code migrations and updates across enterprise environments. While AI tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT have excelled at assisting individual developers with writing and optimizing code, Justine explains how large-scale code refactoring requires an entirely different approach. At this level, AI must account for enterprise-wide complexity, maintain reliability, and ensure security across thousands of repositories. She also dives into Moderne’s use of open-source frameworks like OpenRewrite, which enable deterministic, verifiable code changes and combine machine learning for targeted tasks. We also discuss how this transformative use of AI is reshaping collaboration between human developers and machines. From accelerating the onboarding process for developers to simplifying migrations for legacy systems, AI is offering groundbreaking opportunities to enhance productivity, maintainability, and innovation. How are industries like banking, insurance, and others with vast, complex codebases benefiting from these advancements? And what does the future hold for AI-human collaboration in software development? Tune in to find out.

How is artificial intelligence reshaping the legal and intellectual property landscape? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I explore this evolving topic with Alex Watt, an IP lawyer at Howard Kennedy who specializes in helping clients navigate the complexities of intellectual property in the digital age. We delve into the transformative role of AI in intellectual property management, including the implications of large language models and the challenges of copyright exemptions for AI training. Alex also shares insights on the importance of updating licensing agreements to reflect AI usage and the growing complexities of determining ownership in AI-generated content. Our conversation touches on the emergence of AI-generated influencers, the regulatory challenges they present, and the broader implications for advertising and marketing in an increasingly AI-driven world. Alex also provides his perspective on the future of intellectual property in the metaverse, exploring how virtual worlds and blockchain technology might reshape digital ownership and innovation. For startup founders, Alex offers invaluable advice on protecting intellectual property early, from trademark registration to ensuring proper IP ownership through contracts. He emphasizes the need to stay ahead of legal and regulatory obligations, especially in light of the rapid evolution of AI and privacy laws. As we enter an era of unprecedented technological change, what steps should businesses take to protect their intellectual property and navigate the shifting legal landscape? Join us for this insightful discussion and share your thoughts on the future of AI and IP in the digital age.

How can businesses maximize the potential of AWS to drive innovation, efficiency, and scalability? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Jonathan LaCour, CTO of Mission Cloud. The company focuses exclusively on AWS, helping organizations manage cloud adoption, migration, and optimization while addressing complex challenges in security, cost control, and application development. Jonathan shares practical insights into building successful cloud migration strategies, emphasizing the need for clear planning, secure infrastructure, and governance measures. He also discusses how Mission Cloud combines AWS-native tools with third-party solutions to create robust security frameworks that prevent and respond to cyber threats effectively. We explore the importance of automation in modern cloud environments, highlighting how Mission Cloud enables businesses to rapidly deploy applications and optimize their workflows. Real-world examples include helping the Boston Celtics transition to a cloud-native approach, showcasing the tangible benefits of these strategies. Jonathan also provides an overview of integrating AI and machine learning into cloud operations. From personalized customer experiences to automated processes, these technologies are being used to tackle real-world business challenges. He emphasizes the importance of aligning AI projects with specific business objectives to achieve measurable results. Finally, the conversation covers strategies for ongoing cost optimization, stressing the importance of proactive governance and targeted improvements to manage cloud expenses effectively. How can companies harness the power of AWS to innovate while ensuring their cloud operations are secure, scalable, and cost-effective? Join us to learn more and share your thoughts on the future of cloud technology.