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.

Dive into the unique IT challenges faced by video and photo professionals with Tony Reale, founder of Creative Edge Productions and NextWaveDV.

In this episode of IT Unplugged, discover essential strategies for managing massive file sizes, implementing robust backup systems, and navigating the complexities of modern creative workflows.

Tony shares invaluable insights on balancing high-tech needs with budget constraints, leveraging cloud services effectively, and protecting creative assets from cybersecurity threats. Learn about practical tools that streamline client communication and project delivery, and hear real-world examples of IT challenges in the creative industry.

Whether you're a videographer, photographer, graphic designer, or any professional dealing with large media files, this episode offers crucial knowledge for safeguarding your work and optimizing your technical setup.

Explore the evolving role of Chambers of Commerce in the digital age with David Vander Bloomen, CEO of the De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce.

In this insightful episode of IT Unplugged, discover how local business organizations are leveraging technology to enhance member engagement, support small businesses, and drive community growth.

David shares innovative strategies for balancing high-tech solutions with high-touch relationships, approaches to cybersecurity education for small businesses, and his vision for the future of chambers in an increasingly digital world.

Learn about practical tech implementations, from video newsletters to networking platforms, and understand the challenges and opportunities facing community organizations today.

Whether you're a business leader, community stakeholder, or tech professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology, business, and community development.

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.

Today on IT Unplugged, we're sharing game-changing insights for anyone navigating the complex world of nonprofit technology.

I had the privilege of speaking with Abby, Executive Director of Jackie Nitschke Center, about how forward-thinking nonprofits are using IT to amplify their impact. Here's what you'll learn:

· Innovative approaches to IT on a nonprofit budget

· How the pandemic catalyzed a tech revolution in service delivery

· Strategies for making informed tech decisions at the board level

· Balancing cybersecurity needs with mission-critical operations

This isn't just theory - it's real-world experience from the frontlines of nonprofit management and technology implementation.

Whether you're a nonprofit leader, IT professional, or board member, this episode offers valuable lessons you can apply immediately to enhance your organization's tech strategy.

Join us for an insightful episode of IT Unplugged as we sit down with Stephen, M2 Technology's newest IT consultant. With a passion for technology that started at age eight, Stephen shares his journey from fixing computers for snacks to becoming a seasoned IT professional.

In this episode, we explore:

• Stephen's unique path into IT, starting with a garbage-picked Pentium 2 computer
• The evolution of customer service in IT and how to be a "sociable weirdo"
• Common misconceptions about IT consultants and how to demonstrate value
• Staying up-to-date with the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape
• The importance of proactive IT support and transparent communication
• Fascinating projects, including sentiment analysis for algorithmic trading
• Essential cybersecurity tips for small businesses
• The future of IT consulting and its growing importance in business operations

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, business owner, or just curious about the world of IT, this episode offers valuable insights and a glimpse into the mind of a passionate IT professional. Tune in to learn how Stephen and M2 Technology are working to make IT accessible to everyone while demystifying the complex world of business technology.

Breaking In to Stay Secure: The Penetration Testing Deep Dive You Can't Miss

Ever wondered how ethical hackers protect your business?

Our intern Alexander takes us on a journey from tech-curious kid to cybersecurity pro, revealing:

• Why your network is like your home (and how to lock it down)
• The #1 vulnerability you're probably overlooking
• How AI is making pen testing more accessible
• Ethical landmines in pentesting (and how to avoid them)

Plus: Learn to talk security with your C-suite in plain English!

New episode of IT Unplugged is live now. Don't let your business be the next headline. Tune in and level up your cybersecurity game!

#ITUnplugged #CyberSecurity #PenTesting #TechTalk

www.m2.technology

Buckle up, business owners! We're diving deep into the world of cyber liability insurance with Kelly from Paroubek Insurance.

In this episode, we unpack why cybersecurity isn't just for the big fish anymore and how your small business could be swimming in dangerous waters without proper protection. From the Target breach that shook the industry to the boom in cyber economy, we're breaking down complex topics into bite-sized, actionable insights.

Learn about the hidden dangers of 'silent cyber,' the impact of remote work on your security, and why your email could be your biggest vulnerability. We'll also spill the beans on how IT companies can help slash your insurance premiums and why some businesses might find themselves uninsurable in the cyber world.

Get ready to bust myths, understand the critical balance between reactive insurance and proactive IT partnerships, and discover the essential steps to safeguard your business in the digital age.

Whether you're a tech novice or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with golden nuggets to help you navigate the murky waters of cybersecurity and insurance. Don't miss out on this crucial conversation that could save your business from a cyber catastrophe