IT Unplugged

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Joe LaChapell, VP of IT at M2 Technology, as he shares his journey from aspiring teacher to tech leader. With over 20 years of experience in warehousing leadership, Joe offers unique insights on team building, leveraging individual strengths, and fostering a positive workplace culture.

Discover how Joe's background in coaching basketball translates to effective IT leadership, including his philosophy that "kids don't care what you know until they know you care" - a principle that applies equally in the corporate world. Learn why focusing on team strengths rather than weaknesses is crucial for success, and how this approach can transform your management style.

Joe delves into the concept of "practice days" in the business world, explaining how to create opportunities for skill development and innovation within your team. He also shares strategies for identifying great company culture during your job search, offering valuable tips for anyone looking to make a career move.

This episode is packed with practical wisdom on:

• Navigating career transitions and finding your true calling
• Building and leading high-performing teams in the tech industry
• Cultivating a strength-based approach to management
• Creating unexpected business opportunities by exploring your passions at work
• Balancing technical skills with people-focused leadership
• Identifying positive workplace culture during the interview process

Whether you're an IT professional, a leader in any field, or someone looking to make a career pivot, you'll find actionable insights on personal growth, team management, and career development. Joe's unique perspective, blending sports coaching with tech leadership, offers a fresh take on what it means to lead effectively in today's fast-paced business environment.

Tune in for a masterclass in leadership that transcends industry boundaries, proving that the lessons learned on the basketball court can be just as valuable in the boardroom.

Is your company ready to outsource its IT?
In this episode of IT Unplugged we break down the telltale signs that your business might benefit from external IT support, reveal the red flags to watch for when choosing a Managed Service Provider, and explore scenarios where keeping IT in-house could be the smarter move.
Whether you're a small business owner weighing your options or an IT professional curious about industry trends, this episode provides invaluable insights to help you navigate the complex world of IT management.
Tune in for a no-nonsense guide to making informed decisions about your company's tech future.

In this episode of IT Unplugged, we dive into the world of phishing emails and creative online scams. Join us as we explore the tactics used by cybercriminals to trick unsuspecting victims and steal sensitive information.

We'll discuss how to identify phishing attempts, from suspicious email addresses and links to pressure tactics and too-good-to-be-true offers. Our team will share real-world examples of phishing emails and break down the red flags you should watch out for.

But it's not just about phishing. We'll also delve into other creative scam attempts, such as fake log-in pages, and texts from your "boss." By understanding the methods used by scammers, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these schemes.

Throughout the episode, we'll provide practical tips and best practices for staying safe online. From double-checking URLs before clicking to enabling two-factor authentication, our advice will help you navigate the digital world with confidence.

Don't miss this informative and engaging episode of IT Unplugged. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we work together to outsmart the scammers and keep our online lives secure.

Dive into a comprehensive analysis of the recent CrowdStrike incident that caused widespread disruptions and billions in damages.
In this episode of IT Unplugged, hosts Brandon and Mike break down the technical aspects of what went wrong, explore why remote fixes were impossible, and discuss the broader implications for cybersecurity and software deployment strategies.
Learn about the importance of phased rollouts, the challenges of kernel-level software, and how to mitigate risks in your own IT infrastructure.
Whether you're an IT professional, business leader, or simply interested in understanding major tech incidents, this episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of modern cybersecurity and the potential consequences of software updates gone wrong.
Gain practical knowledge to help safeguard your organization against similar incidents.

In this enlightening episode of IT Unplugged, we sit down with Alexander, M2 Technology's 18-year-old intern with big dreams in the world of cybersecurity.

Alexander's journey into IT is as unique as it is inspiring. We explore how his passion for real-time strategy games sparked an interest in computer programming, eventually leading him to pursue a career in penetration testing.

But this episode isn't just about coding and hacking. We delve into the often-overlooked social aspects of IT. Alexander shares insights on how public speaking and customer interaction are integral parts of the job, dispelling the myth of the isolated, antisocial IT professional.

We also discuss the parallels between team activities in school and collaborative projects in the IT world. Alexander offers a fresh perspective on how these experiences prepare young professionals for the realities of the tech industry.

The conversation takes an exciting turn as Alexander expresses his enthusiasm for hands-on learning and using real-world tools in cybersecurity. His choice to attend Arizona State University not only for its excellent computer science and cybersecurity program but also for its 330 days of sunshine, adds a human touch to his career aspirations.

Finally, we explore how Alexander plans to leverage his internship at M2 Technology as a launchpad for networking and career building. His strategic approach to professional development at such a young age offers valuable insights for both aspiring IT professionals and seasoned veterans looking to mentor the next generation.

This episode is a must-listen for:

• Young adults considering a career in IT or cybersecurity
• Parents and educators guiding students towards tech careers
• IT professionals interested in mentoring or understanding Gen Z in the workplace
• Anyone curious about the evolving landscape of IT skills and education

Join us for a conversation that bridges the gap between gaming, education, and the future of IT. Alexander's story is a testament to the changing face of technology careers and the diverse paths that can lead to success in this dynamic field.