Code To Cloud

Most organizations overlook the superpower hidden in their teams—translating technical language into business value. Keran McGuire, SVP of AI and Technology Platforms at Canadian Tire, reveals how mastering the art of communication can accelerate your career and solve the toughest tech challenges.
Host: Kevin Evans
n this episode, Keran shares her unconventional journey from startup innovation to leading AI initiatives at a household name. She dives into how challenging industry silos and embracing empathy through simple gestures—like breaking bread—can create unexpected breakthroughs. You'll discover her proven approach to navigating complex, highly regulated environments like finance, and how to turn communication barriers into opportunities for collaboration and success.We break down the importance of understanding the full-stack tech landscape—not just specialists, but versatile "ninjas" who can adapt across infrastructure, cloud, security, and AI.
Keran explains why the future belongs to those who can see the big picture without losing sight of the details. She emphasizes the value of humility, curiosity, and a genuine desire to understand others’ perspectives—key traits that transform team dynamics and drive innovation.The stakes are clear: organizations that fail to bridge the communication gap risk stagnation, lost opportunities, and unresolved crises.
Meanwhile, those who master empathy and versatile skills stand to unlock new levels of efficiency, resilience, and growth—especially as AI and cloud technologies accelerate change.If you’re a tech leader, aspiring professional, or someone passionate about making complex ideas accessible and impactful, this episode is your blueprint.
Keran’s practical wisdom on leadership, adaptability, and culture will inspire you to reframe challenges as pathways to progress—and remind you that the simplest act of understanding can be transformative.
Connect with Keran McGuire on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and advocacy for women in tech. Prepare to rethink your approach to technology and communication—because in today’s fast-changing digital landscape, the best skill you can develop is your ability to relate and translate.
 
 

Discover how cloud enablement, AI, and automation are transforming modern businesses. Join Kevin Evans and Jim Spignardo as they explore practical use cases, governance, and future trends in AI adoption.Key Topics:
The evolution of AI in enterprise cloud strategies over the past nine years
How Microsoft’s AI and Agent 365 improve visibility, security, and control
Practical use cases: from law firms to energy sector automation
Building effective AI centers of excellence across organizations
Common pitfalls, including misaligned use cases and over-engineering
The role of governance, data hygiene, and low-resistance solutions
Future outlook: autonomous workflows, agent maturity stages, and blending IoT with AI

When “State-of-the-Art” Backups Fail | Cybersecurity Lessons with Dom Vogel
Most organizations assume their backups, disaster recovery plans, and security controls will work during a cyberattack.
 
But what happens when those systems have never actually been tested?
 
In this episode of Code to Cloud — Firewall Fridays,  Host Kevin Evans sits down with cybersecurity expert Dom Vogel breaks down a real-world incident where a mid-sized construction company lost nearly $500,000 after discovering their “state-of-the-art” backup system failed when it mattered most.
 
This wasn’t caused by advanced ransomware or elite hackers.
 
It was caused by a common organizational mistake: trusting technology without validating it.
 
If you lead IT, manage risk, oversee finance, or run a business dependent on digital systems, this conversation explores the practical realities of cybersecurity, backup testing, and organizational resilience.
What You’ll Learn
Why modern backup systems still fail during ransomware incidents
The hidden risk behind untested disaster recovery plans
How cybersecurity myths create operational blind spots
Why continuous validation is replacing traditional security audits
How everyday devices and jailbroken streaming boxes become enterprise attack vectors
The shift from top-down cyber threats to bottom-up vulnerabilities
Leadership, governance, and accountability in cybersecurity decision-making
Practical ways organizations can strengthen cyber resilience today
Who Should Listen
This episode is designed for:
Business owners and executives
CFOs and risk leaders
IT directors and managed service providers
Cybersecurity professionals and CISOs
Organizations operating cloud, on-premise, or hybrid environments
Anyone responsible for business continuity, data protection, or cyber risk management will recognize challenges discussed in this conversation.
Why This Episode Matters
Cyber incidents rarely happen because organizations lack technology.
 
They happen because systems are assumed to work instead of being proven to work.
 
Dom Vogel explains why cybersecurity must evolve from compliance checklists and tool purchases toward continuous testing, systemic thinking, and organizational accountability.
 
Cyber resilience is not built during an incident — it is validated long before one occurs.
 
Cybersecurity Guide
Practical cybersecurity guidance for Canadian organizations:
 
Code To Cloud Guide
 
Subscribe to Code to Cloud
Code to Cloud explores real cybersecurity incidents, leadership decisions, risk management strategies, and lessons learned from the front lines of IT and security.
 
New episodes released regularly.
 
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction — Code to Cloud & Firewall Fridays
01:20 The Myth of “State-of-the-Art” Backups
02:00 The $500K Backup Failure Case Study
05:15 Why Testing and Validation Matter
09:30 Cloud vs On-Prem Backup Reality
12:45 Leadership, Accountability & Cyber Risk
16:40 Fixing Organizational Security Culture
20:00 The Jailbroken “Super Box” Story
24:30 Hidden Hardware Security Risks
28:30 Key Cybersecurity Lessons & Wrap-Up

Join Kevin Evans & Kent Weare as they explore how Microsoft's Logic Apps integrate with AI-powered agents to automate complex business processes, connect legacy systems, and accelerate digital transformation. Perfect for professionals seeking to understand modern cloud-native automation.
 
What You'll Learn
What Logic Apps are and their core value in system integration
The evolution from middleware to cloud-native orchestration
How connectors enable seamless connection to diverse systems — SAP, mainframes, and SaaS solutions
The role of agentic development and AI models in automating decision-making
Practical use cases: Order-to-Cash, HR onboarding, and ServiceNow ticket audits
Deploying MCP servers and configuring connectors dynamically
Why scope narrowing leads to higher accuracy in AI-driven processes
Leveraging knowledge bases to enhance agent capabilities
The integration landscape: Using Foundry with Logic Apps for enterprise connectivity
What You'll Learn
What Logic Apps are and their core value in system integration
The evolution from middleware to cloud-native orchestration
How connectors enable seamless connection to diverse systems — SAP, mainframes, and SaaS solutions
The role of agentic development and AI models in automating decision-making
Practical use cases: Order-to-Cash, HR onboarding, and ServiceNow ticket audits
Deploying MCP servers and configuring connectors dynamically
Why scope narrowing leads to higher accuracy in AI-driven processes
Leveraging knowledge bases to enhance agent capabilities
The integration landscape: Using Foundry with Logic Apps for enterprise connectivity
What You'll Learn
What Logic Apps are and their core value in system integration
The evolution from middleware to cloud-native orchestration
How connectors enable seamless connection to diverse systems — SAP, mainframes, and SaaS solutions
The role of agentic development and AI models in automating decision-making
Practical use cases: Order-to-Cash, HR onboarding, and ServiceNow ticket audits
Deploying MCP servers and configuring connectors dynamically
Why scope narrowing leads to higher accuracy in AI-driven processes
Leveraging knowledge bases to enhance agent capabilities
The integration landscape: Using Foundry with Logic Apps for enterprise connectivity

Most tech careers aren’t linear—and yours doesn’t have to be either. Dr. Jason Bernard shares his unconventional journey from programming video games at age 11 to pioneering AI algorithms that could revolutionize biotech and urban planning.
In this eye-opening episode, Jason reveals how his diverse experiences—from military service to music composition—fuel groundbreaking research in process modeling and data science. You'll discover:
How early programming and limited hardware shaped his approach to elegant, resource-efficient algorithms
The real difference between machine learning, AI, and data analytics—and why understanding this distinction is key to future-proof skills
The fascinating world of modeling biological processes, like gene-expression for drought-resistant crops, using reverse engineering in data science
Why simplicity and human insight remain essential in an era dominated by neural networks and language models The future of data science careers in a rapidly evolving tech landscape and practical advice for new professionals
This episode is perfect for tech enthusiasts, data scientists, and students eager to learn how a curious mind can make an impact across industries—from agriculture to telecommunications—and why adaptability and a deep understanding of algorithms are the secret weapons for success. With over 18 years of research and real-world experience, Jason is an assistant professor at Athabasca University, known for pushing the boundaries of process modeling and optimization. His work on inferring computational models from real data has been called the “holy grail” by leading experts. If you're looking for inspiration on how to navigate a non-traditional tech path or want to understand the core principles behind cutting-edge AI research—this episode will change the way you see your career.
Hit play and unlock your potential today.
 
Host Kevin Evans

What happens when geopolitical tensions spill into your network?
Host: Kevin Evans
Guest: Dom Vogel
In this episode, we break down the real-world cyber threats facing organizations today — from Iranian threat groups targeting US healthcare to the hidden risks lurking in your contractor relationships and free SaaS tools.
Whether you're a solo operator or leading a large enterprise, this conversation delivers practical, no-nonsense strategies to protect what matters most.
🔐 In This Episode: Iranian cyber groups targeting US organizations & their destructive playbook Why geopolitical, cyber, and physical risks can no longer be managed in silos
The leadership drought in cybersecurity — and how to fix it Who should actually own your business technology (hint: not just IT)
Cybersecurity for small businesses: simple wins that scale
The real cost of free tools — what your data is funding Gen Z, remote work, and the future of the cyber workforce
Why procedural maturity matters more than your tech stack
Third-party and contractor risks hiding in plain sight Domain, cloud, and access governance — the unsexy stuff that saves companies
Resources: https://www.codetocloud.io/blog/who-owns-your-business-technology

In this episode, Kevin Evans sits down with AI systems engineer and energy sector expert Wish Bakshi to explore how AI and data analytics are transforming the oil, gas, and power industries. They discuss technical intricacies, industry challenges, and future opportunities in energy infrastructure.
Key Topics
How AI models are used across the "molecules to electrons to bits" in energy
The complexity of oil & gas logistics in North America vs. Europe
Power grid nuances and the role of real-time data and AI
The impact of open source AI models and frameworks like Hugging Face
The evolution of AI’s influence on commodities trading and market prediction
Power & power grid stability — the importance of maintaining the grid’s "heartbeat"
Building and managing AI data centers: scale, infrastructure, and environmental considerations
Frameworks for deploying AI: orchestrator methodology, multi-agent systems
The rise of citizen developers using low-code/no-code AI tools
Future outlook for AI adoption, standardization, and industry disruption
Resources & Links
Hugging Face – community-driven platform for open source AI models
Wednesdays with Wish – Wish Bakshi’s LinkedIn blog & updates
Industry reports and articles on AI in energy sectors (suggested based on discussion points)
 

In this episode, Kevin Evans and Steve Rogalsky discuss the evolving landscape of education technology (EdTech) and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in learning.
They reflect on their experiences at the Prairie Dev Conference, emphasizing the importance of community and networking in professional growth. The conversation delves into the distinction between generative and transformative learning, the ethical implications of AI in education, and the need for personalized learning experiences.
They also explore the barriers to access in education and the potential of AI to democratize learning globally. The episode concludes with thoughts on the future of AI in education and the importance of generosity in fostering transformation. Takeaways Conferences can be a catalyst for career growth. EdTech focuses on solving educational problems with technology. Generative AI can create content but should aim for transformative learning.
AI can personalize education to meet individual learner needs. Ethics and guardrails are crucial in AI applications. Technology can democratize access to education. Javan's paradox suggests that efficiency can lead to higher demand. AI can enhance the role of teachers rather than replace them. The future of work will involve more AI integration.
Generosity in sharing knowledge can transform lives.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Conference Reflections
02:46 Transitioning in EdTech and AI Exploration
05:36 Understanding EdTech and Lifelong Learning
08:47 Generative vs. Transformative Learning with AI
11:35 AI in the Classroom: Personalized Learning Experiences
14:42 Use Cases in Psychology and Mathematics
17:22 Governance and Ethics in AI Education
20:13 Future of AI in Education and Job Impact
28:14 The Evolution of Technology and Job Creation
31:56 Access to Education and Lowering Barriers
35:08 The Impact of AI on Work and Creativity
39:13 Vibe Coding and Its Disruptive Potential
45:50 Generosity and Transformation in Technology

Most small and mid-sized businesses are flying blind in cybersecurity — and cybercriminals know it. In this eye-opening episode of Firewall Fridays, Dom Vogel reveals the shocking risks lurking in overlooked vulnerabilities, and how a simple mindset shift can save your organization millions.
You’ll discover why ignoring cyber threats is like driving without insurance, and how some companies are unknowingly risking contracts worth millions by neglecting basic security measures. Dom breaks down the three major blind spots hampering SMBs: surviving a breach, weak cyber insurance practices, and supply chain vulnerabilities. He shares real-world stories — from the construction firm with outdated backups to the law firm with a server not even plugged in — that expose just how easy it is to fall into costly cyber traps.
You’ll learn exactly how to prioritize cybersecurity in a way that directly impacts your bottom line. We dive into practical tactics like leveraging cloud platforms for automatic security, understanding the true cost of outdated hardware and software, and asking the right questions about your vendor and security posture. The stakes are high, but the opportunity to protect your business, reputation, and revenue has never been clearer.
If you're a small business owner or executive feeling overwhelmed by cybersecurity myths and hidden dangers, this episode is your wake-up call. Dom’s straightforward advice will help you cut through the noise and make smarter, less risky decisions today. Because in cybersecurity, ignorance is costly — but awareness can be your greatest asset.
Join us and turn cybersecurity from a nerve-wracking expense into a strategic advantage. Perfect for anyone who wants to stop flying blind and start safeguarding their future.
Host:
Kevin Evans
Connect with Dom Vogel:
LinkedIn: Dom VogelWebsite: https://www.vogelleadershipcoaching.com/

Unlock the hidden secrets behind building successful tech startups in Alberta. Discover how a seasoned CTO and a passionate founder are transforming the way founders bring their ideas to life — faster, smarter, and more cost-effectively. If you're a founder, innovator, or tech enthusiast feeling overwhelmed by complexity or unsure where to start, this episode will change how you approach your next big idea.
Join our community!
When founders rush into app development without understanding costs, security, or real needs, they risk costly failures and missed opportunities. Rhea and Al reveal how a new approach—powered by AI-driven tools, tailored advisory, and industry-specific insights—can save thousands of dollars and years of frustration. They share concrete stories of projects rescued from the brink, beginner developers launched into careers, and how Alberta’s thriving ecosystem can support your success.
You’ll discover:
The truth about how AI is revolutionizing project estimates and requirement gathering, slashing development costs by up to 75%.
Why security and compliance should be baked in from day one, not added as an afterthought—and how to do it without breaking the bank.
The importance of validating your idea with real customer interest before building, and the best ways to test demand without wasting resources.
Practical tools like a cost calculator that’s already saving startups thousands, plus strategies to create a proprietary business advantage using custom software.
Success stories of founders who bypassed the pitfalls common in the startup scene—saving money, speeding time to market, and gaining real competitive edge.
In this episode, Kevin is joined by Rea Hailley, co-founder of New Idea Machine, and Al Del Degan, CTO with decades of experience in coding, AI, and startup support. They leverage Alberta’s unique innovation landscape and global tech advances to empower founders with essential knowledge and tools. Whether you're early stage or scaling up, this is your playbook for turning ideas into impactful, scalable businesses.