Cisco Champion Radio

Join host Luke Paddington as IT leaders from Northern Kentucky University, Innovation Federal Credit Union, and Winslow Technology Group reveal their secrets to building future-proof workplaces. They unpack strategies for mastering high-density Wi-Fi and wireless-first networks, alongside deploying cutting-edge security with ZTNA and Cisco Secure Access. Learn how to foster crucial IT-security collaboration, ensure network resiliency, and make smart investments that deliver lasting value in today's "anywhere, anytime" world. Participants:   Greg Thompson, Director of IT Infrastructure and Operations, Northern Kentucky University Shawn Spurko, VP of Information and Cybersecurity, Innovation Federal Credit Union Ryan Deppe, Pre-Sales Architect, Winslow Technology Group

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we explore how Cisco is integrating security into AI deployment through the Secure AI Factory—a framework designed to ensure that innovation and protection evolve hand in hand. Our experts unpack how the Secure AI Factory brings together security, observability, and AI infrastructure through modular AI pods, enabling organizations to build AI-ready environments with flexibility and confidence. The conversation dives into Cisco’s validated design approach, collaboration with Talos for enhanced threat research and model safety, and the role of industry standards like ISO 42001 in shaping responsible AI deployment. Listeners will also hear how configurable guardrails, unified management interfaces, and cross-team collaboration between IT and business units help prevent siloed AI projects and strengthen overall efficiency. Whether you’re advancing AI adoption or refining your organization’s security posture, this episode highlights how Cisco is redefining AI security, go

 Tune into Tech Unscripted for a candid discussion on building AI-ready data centers. This episode brings together leading experts to share their insights on the massive infrastructure shifts required for explosive AI growth. Discover the critical need for increased network bandwidth, the challenges and solutions in data center liquid cooling, and the essential strategies for addressing the AI talent gap through upskilling and organizational commitment. Hear firsthand how they're navigating the complexities of evolving network infrastructure and why, for AI, "it is the network" that truly matters. Moderator:  Kate McLean, Senior Director of Solutions Marketing at Cisco Participants:   Micheline Murphy, Senior CSC Engineer at Worldwide Technology Dan Morgan, Senior Staff Infrastructure Architect at General Electric Aerospace Rob Gastrich, Data Center Architect Rustam Gaisin, Senior Network Engineer at Microsoft

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we dive into the future of meeting room technology and the innovations reshaping hybrid collaboration. From the shift to AV over IP and the power of Cisco Vision PTZ to the AI-driven features in RoomOS 26, Cisco is redefining what’s possible in modern meeting spaces. Discover how AI enhances audio and video experiences, how Control Hub provides actionable insights into device health and workspace usage, and how advancements like Power over Ethernet and auto camera modes make meetings more seamless and immersive. We’ll also explore how simplifying installation, improving interoperability, and enabling smarter device discoverability are transforming large-scale meeting room deployments. Whether you’re building smarter environments or optimizing hybrid work experiences, this conversation highlights the breakthroughs driving clarity, flexibility, and impact in every meeting. Resources https://www.webex.com https://www.webex.com/us/en/devices/room-devices.html Ci

 Tune into Tech Unscripted for an unfiltered discussion on digital resilience with leaders from WWE, Carnival Cruise Lines, and Customers Bank. This episode explores how organizations stay securely up and running amidst disruptions, covering everything from managing unexpected outages and third-party challenges to leveraging automation, data analytics, and AI. Discover real-world strategies for proactive incident management, fostering strong vendor relationships, and ensuring continuous, secure operations in today's dynamic tech landscape. Participants:   Ralph Riley, Director of IT Broadcast Systems, WWE Evan Mintzer, Director of Production Infrastructure, Customers BankCustomers Bank Dexter King, Senior NetDevOps Engineer, Carnival Cruise Lines Carnival Cruise Lines Moderator Meg Diaz, Senior Director, Cross-Portfolio Messaging​

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we spotlight Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the resources available to help you strengthen your skills and defenses in an evolving threat landscape. With cyberattacks growing more sophisticated and the industry facing a global shortage of 4 million professionals, the need for education and training has never been greater. Our experts break down Cisco’s latest initiatives, including the consolidation of certifications under the CCNA umbrella, free training and labs through Cisco U and Networking Academy, and a new video series—Security Unlocked—hosted by Kyle Winters. Plus, discover October-exclusive perks like free courses, tutorials, and a 25% discount on select premium content. Whether you’re just starting your cybersecurity journey or looking to sharpen your expertise, this episode highlights the tools, training, and best practices to help you stay ahead. Resources Cybersecurity Training and Certification Giveaway: https://mkto.cisco.com/cybersecurity-giveaway

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have”—it’s quickly becoming a priority for businesses, boards, and communities across the globe. In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we explore how IT is playing a central role in driving sustainable outcomes and reshaping the future of buildings, products, and customer experiences. Our experts unpack Cisco’s initiatives and partnerships designed to reduce environmental impact—from sustainable product design and fully recyclable packaging to refurbished solutions that are cost-effective and eco-friendly. We also discuss how data generated by IT assets can optimize energy consumption, and why integrating IT solutions early in building projects is critical for long-term efficiency. Tune in to hear how Cisco and its partners are empowering organizations to achieve their sustainability goals while delivering business value. Resources https://blogs.cisco.com/industries/energy-management-in-the-ai-era-ciscos-digital-transformation-advantage https://distilledbuild

Tune in to hear CIOs Nicole Coughlin and Daryl McMillan share their unfiltered insights on strategic IT management and digital transformation. They reveal how to identify opportunities for change, build compelling business cases through practical demonstrations, and navigate the complexities of gaining buy-in and managing organizational change. Discover their people-first approach to technology, emphasizing purpose-driven outcomes and real-world strategies for overcoming tech challenges. Moderator: Todd Shimizu, Vice President, Customer Lifecycle Marketing Participants: Nicole Coughlin, CIO of the Town of Cary, North Carolina Darrell McMillon, VP of IT and CIO of Delaware State University Resources: https://blogs.cisco.com/insidervoices/tech-unscripted

From AI-powered robots to autonomous vehicles and data-hungry cameras, the next generation of connected assets is pushing wireless networks to their limits. While Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 deliver leaps in speed, bandwidth, and capacity, some applications demand even more—ultra-low latency, higher reliability, and seamless connectivity. In this episode, we dive into the exciting evolution of Wi-Fi, how Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul (URWB) delivers ultra-reliability beyond what Wi-Fi can deliver, and how organizations are combining Wi-Fi and URWB to unlock new use cases. We will also unpack: What sets Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 apart from earlier generations? The new possibilities these Wi-Fi advancements enable—and where they fall short. Cisco’s innovation for ultra-reliable wireless connectivity: URWB Real-world examples of URWB-powered solutions How Cisco is making URWB more accessible and simpler to deploy alongside Wi-Fi. Resources https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/products/networking/industrial-

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we dive into the ever-evolving security landscape, with a focus on the rise of identity-based attacks, third-party risk, and the challenges of integrating security tools in modern operations. Join security experts and Champions as they unpack how cybercriminals are bypassing traditional defenses—exploiting user fatigue with MFA, launching advanced phishing campaigns, and targeting third-party vulnerabilities. The discussion also highlights why security teams must go beyond metrics to focus on real threats, and how collaboration with business units can enhance security outcomes. Whether you're in SecOps, vulnerability management, or vendor risk assessment, this conversation offers practical insights into building a more resilient and integrated security ecosystem. Cisco Champion hosts Zoe Rose, Security Operations Manager, Canon EMEA Timothy Harmon, Tech Associate, Journey Community Church Gert-Jan de Boer, Networking Archeologist, aaZoo Jason Dave, Infrastructure an

The tech landscape never stops evolving — and neither does Cisco's commitment to keeping IT professionals ahead of the curve. In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we dive deep into the latest updates to the Cisco Certification Portfolio, designed to better align with the skills, roles, and technologies shaping the future of networking. Join us as we unpack what’s new across key domains — from DevNet’s expanded focus on automation and programmability, to Cybersecurity certifications that reflect today’s threat landscape, to innovations in Collaborationand Data Center tracks that mirror real-world infrastructure demands. Whether you're just starting out, looking to upskill, or guiding your team’s learning journey, this conversation will give you insider insights into how these updates can support your career path and help you stay competitive in an ever-changing industry. No buzzwords. No fluff. Just real talk from Champions and Cisco experts who live this stuff every day. Resources Rev Up: h

Join us to explore the exciting evolution of Cisco AI PODs. We're expanding beyond inferencing to offer designs for training and hybrid workloads, incorporating key integrations that we'll discuss. At the heart of this is a modular, fabric-centric architecture, designed to scale seamlessly from small deployments to massive clusters while ensuring a secure and compliant environment for your AI. You won’t want to miss our discussion of how the present and future of a fundamental building block of Cisco’s Secure AI Factory will enable you to confidently deploy AI in your enterprise. Resources https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/artificial-intelligence/infrastructure/ai-pods.html Cisco guest John Cuneo, AI Solutions Engineer, Cisco Cisco Champion hosts Mark Sibering, Expert Director, Devoteam Rickey Keith, Consulting Systems Engineer, World Wide Technology Amr Nasher, Founder and CEO, Twaasol Donald Robb, Principal Network Architect - Studios, The Walt Disney Company Moderator Daniel

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we explore how Cisco XDR (Extended Detection and Response) is transforming cybersecurity through automation and seamless integration with leading security tools. Our experts break down how Cisco XDR reduces alert fatigue, automates incident handling, and streamlines workflows to enhance security operations. We also discuss how automation rules in XDR help prioritize incidents, integrate with tools like Splunk and CrowdStrike, and bridge the skill gap between junior and senior analysts. While there’s a learning curve, understanding basic programming and authentication concepts can help security professionals unlock the full potential of automation. Want to see Cisco XDR in action? Learn how to start with DCloud instant demos or hands-on labs at DevNet (developer.cisco.com). Whether you're looking to improve efficiency, reduce manual tasks, or enhance threat detection, this episode is packed with insights to help you leverage automation for stronger security. Re

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we dive into Cisco's groundbreaking efforts to simplify network architecture and streamline the future of networking. The discussion focuses on the evolution of network design, from the collapse of transponders into routers in routed optical networking to the benefits of adopting coherent optics and segment routing. We explore how Cisco's Crosswork automation solutions are driving efficiency in network management with features like multi-vendor support and automation for inventory, service provisioning, and assurance. Cisco's revolutionary Silicon One is also highlighted, showcasing its ability to reduce cost, footprint, and chip variants while enabling seamless integration of new functionality across networks. In addition, we look at the platform Cisco offers for hosting apps on iOS XR devices, including advanced security features like Edge Protect for DDoS mitigation, and how AI-driven traffic decisions are shaping the future of network performance. Resources:

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we dive into the transformative role of AI in networking and how it can accelerate career growth. Our experts discuss the essential AI skills for network engineers, the practical applications of AI in daily tasks, and the importance of verifying AI-generated insights. We also explore the Cisco U learning path on AI solutions, which is free from February 7 to March 24, offering 34 CEE credits and hands-on labs to help professionals integrate AI into networking. Plus, we highlight additional learning resources, including the DCAIE learning path, Cisco Networking Academy, and free tutorials available at Cisco U. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to deepen your expertise, this episode provides valuable insights into how AI can enhance—not replace—human expertise in networking. Tune in to discover how you can stay ahead in this evolving field! Resources Free AI tutorials at Cisco U: https://u.cisco.com/search/tutorial?query=ai%20tutorials AI courses at Cisco Netw

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we delve into the dynamic collaboration between Cisco and Splunk. Together, we explore how these industry leaders are enhancing visibility, streamlining operations, and strengthening security through powerful integrations and flexible licensing options. Discover how Splunk's innovative platform empowers users to turn raw data into actionable insights, offering holistic solutions for observability (IT operations, APM) and security (SIEM, XDR, UBA). Learn how Splunk's search processing language and natural language interface make data accessible and valuable, while its ability to accept data in any format ensures highly adaptable flexibility. We also discuss Splunk's integrations with Cisco products, delivering streamlined solutions that provide exceptional visibility and reliability. Whether you're curious about Splunk's licensing options, training resources, or deployment flexibility—on-premises or in the cloud—this episode covers it all. Tune in to hear about ho

Join us as we celebrate the ten-year anniversary of the Cisco Champion program. In this special episode, long-time members who have been part of the program reflect on its evolution and success. We delve into the program's growth, highlighting its global diversity, the integration of new technologies, and its expanded focus beyond blogging to include podcasts and sessions at Cisco Live. Discover how the Cisco Champion program has transformed from a content creation initiative to a vibrant community where like-minded individuals connect and network. Hear firsthand how participation in Cisco Live enriches the experience, allowing for real-life connections and feedback on Cisco products and solutions. Despite the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance, these dedicated champions share their independent insights and opinions about Cisco, influencing the company's perspective and future releases. Tune in to learn more about the passion and commitment that drives the Cisco Champions and how they build a s

Emerging forms of wireless connectivity are growing in popularity as a new way to reach people in highly remote, rural, and difficult-to-reach locations. They are particularly important in getting sites connected more quickly. 5G and satellite internet offer crucial connectivity to businesses to deliver their offerings to more people in more places, though they lack sophisticated technologies to secure and optimize end-user experiences against disruptions, packet loss, latency, jitter, and cybersecurity incidents. Learn how Catalyst SD-WAN enhances satellite internet by using embedded threat defense, intelligent application prioritization, and packet management capabilities to protect and optimize connectivity for smooth, secure, and reliable end-user performance. Resources https://community.cisco.com/t5/networking-knowledge-base/catalyst-sd-wan-quickstart-guide-for-using-starlink/ta-p/5112291 Cisco guests Pratik Desai, Product Marketing Lead, Cisco Meraki Jason Yang, Principal TME, Cisco Cisco Ch

Transform your network with a secure foundation that unlocks the power of automation, simplicity, and network insights to meet the demands of the future workplace. In this podcast, Cisco Champions and Cisco experts will dive into the transformative world of Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series modular innovations. As the backbone of modern campus networks, the Cisco modular switching portfolio with Catalyst 9600 Series Switches are revolutionizing network infrastructure, accommodating the ever-growing demand for bandwidth and the rapid evolution of network technologies. Join us as we discuss the industry trends and why organizations today choose to install modular switches in their campus network. We will deep dive into the innovative features of the Catalyst 9600 Series, including the latest line card, 56YL4C, which offers high port density and supports a range of speeds, from 10G to 100G through the power of Cisco Silicon One. Additionally, we will explore the options for customers to migrate from the lega

As a network engineer, you’re uniquely positioned with a solid foundation in networking and a head start toward the essential cybersecurity skills organizations expect. Now’s the time to leverage what you know and get the training and certification to secure your future and the networks you manage. Listen as Ryan Rose, Tech Training from Learning & Certifications shares the latest cybersecurity updates and resources that can help you and your staff be ready to face any cyber challenge. Visit www.cisco.com/go/cybercerts Resources https://www.cisco.com/go/cybercerts Cisco Guest: Ryan Rose, Technical Training Director, Learning & Certifications Cisco Champion hosts: Jian Zou, Principal Network Architect, PKA Technologies, Inc. Donald Robb, Principal Network Architect, The Walt Disney Company Gustavo Leon, Sr. Project Manager, Process & Knowledge Management, Emerson Moderator Danielle, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program, Cisco