
In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of network management with our guest, Balaji Venkatraman.
As IT environments become increasingly distributed, the challenge of maintaining visibility and control across disparate systems has never been greater. In this conversation, we explore the concept of Cloud Control—Cisco’s strategic vision for the convergence of the management plane across our entire portfolio.
What you can expect to learn:
The Vision for Convergence: How Cisco is moving toward a unified management plane to simplify operations and reduce complexity.
Breaking Down Silos: Why bringing disparate management tools together is critical for the modern enterprise.
Strategic Impact: How this shift empowers network administrators to manage their infrastructure with greater agility and consistency.
The Future of Cisco Solutions: Insights into how Cloud Control will shape the way you interact with your Cisco environment moving forward.
Whether you are managing campus, data center, or cloud-native infrastructure, this episode provides a clear look at how Cisco is streamlining the "how" behind your network management.
Listen now to get the latest on the future of Cisco’s management strategy.
Cisco Champions
Maikel van der Roest, Sr. Network Specialist
David Penaloza, Assoc. Director, Novartis
Nathan Litz, Technical Solutions Architect, World Wide Technology
Cisco guest
Balaji Venkatraman, VP of Products, Cisco
Jul 10
30 min

Description: In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we explore the evolution of edge computing and how Cisco is helping organizations bridge the gap between distributed locations and centralized control.
We sit down to discuss the Cisco Unified Edge platform, a modular solution launched in November 2022 that is redefining how industries manage their infrastructure. Designed to meet the demands of modern enterprise environments, Unified Edge integrates compute, networking, and storage into a single, streamlined chassis, making it easier than ever to deploy and scale workloads—including AI and IoT applications.
Key topics covered in this episode include:
Modular Efficiency: How the platform’s modular design allows for easy upgrades, maintenance, and flexible remote management across diverse industries.
Intersight Integration: A look at how Unified Edge operates exclusively in Intersight-managed mode to provide seamless provisioning and configuration.
Simplified Fleet Management: How Cisco leverages intent-based automation to simplify policy creation and deployment across multiple edge sites.
Validated Blueprints: Insights into how Cisco Validated Designs serve as a roadmap for managing complex clusters and workloads at scale.
Whether you are managing a small distributed network or a large-scale industrial deployment, this episode provides a comprehensive look at how Unified Edge simplifies infrastructure and empowers your team to focus on innovation.
Cisco guest
Ronnie Chan, Leader, Product Management, Edge AI Platform
Cisco Champion Hosts
Liam Keegan, VP of Technology, RX3 Communications, Inc.
Rickey Keith, Vertical Systems Engineer, WWT
Elliot Dierksen, Distinguished Engineer, Greyson Technologies, Inc.
Moderator
Danielle Carter, Cisco, CCR Program/ Customer Voices
Listen now to learn how you can transform your edge strategy.
Jun 23
41 min

Join Cisco CTO of Wireless Matt Macpherson to explore the future of Wi-Fi, AI, and enterprise networking.
Live from the bustling floor of Cisco Live, we sit down with Matt Macpherson, Cisco’s CTO of Wireless, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of connectivity. In this episode, our Cisco Champions dive deep into the latest advancements in wireless technology, tracing the evolution of Wi-Fi from its foundational roots to the cutting-edge capabilities of today’s networks.
Throughout the discussion, Matt shares exclusive insights into Cisco’s recent product and technology announcements, detailing how the company is driving innovation to meet the demands of a hyper-connected world. From the impact of new standards to the strategic role Cisco plays in shaping the future of enterprise and industrial wireless, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in networking.
Key Topics Covered:
The Evolution of Wi-Fi: A retrospective on how wireless standards have transformed the modern workplace.
Cisco Live Highlights: An inside look at the most significant announcements made during the event.
The Future of Wireless: How Cisco is leveraging AI, automation, and security to redefine wireless performance.
Cisco’s Strategic Vision: Insights from the CTO on the challenges and opportunities in the wireless market.
Tune in to hear how the experts are navigating the next generation of wireless connectivity and learn how Cisco is building a more resilient, intelligent network infrastructure.
Insider guests:
Dan Jones, Solutions Engineering Director, Hamina Wireless
Maikel van der Roest, Sr. Network Specialist
Sebastian Kozankiewicz , Network and Voice Architect, NORMA Group
Tony Dous, Network Security Section Head, Wadi Degla Holding
Explore Cisco Wireless Solutions : https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/products/networking/wireless/index.html
Discover how Cisco is transforming industries with cutting-edge technology and business-driven innovation.
Jun 9
43 min

How are Mercy Ships and Milton Keynes Hospital using data collection to transform accessing health? In this episode of Tech Unscripted, we explore the future of Tech for Healthcare and its role in improving global patient outcomes. Join us as we sit down with Grady Nichols from Mercy Ships and Ollie Chandler from Milton Keynes University Hospital to discuss how cutting-edge technology is bridging the gap in underserved regions and optimizing clinical decision-making.
Moderator
Luke Paddington, Creative Director, Cisco
Participants:
Mercy Ships – Grady Nichols, Senior Director of IT Operations
Milton Keynes Hospital - Ollie Chandler, Director of Technical Services
May 19
36 min

In today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape, vulnerabilities are inevitable—but being unprepared doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we dive into how organizations can better identify, prioritize, and mitigate vulnerabilities before they become real threats.
This conversation explores practical strategies for strengthening security posture, improving visibility across environments, and staying ahead of emerging risks. From proactive vulnerability management to building a culture of resilience, this episode offers real-world insights for IT professionals and leaders navigating modern security challenges.
Whether you're fine-tuning your current approach or just getting started, tune in to learn how smarter, more strategic security practices can help your organization stay one step ahead.
Cisco hosts
Zoe Rose, CSIRT Security Operations, Development Manager, Canon EMEA
Girard Kavelines, Network Security Engineer, Aqueduct Technologies
Mark Sibering, Expert Director, Devoteam
Micheline Murphy, Senior Consulting Systems Engineer, WWT
Moderator
Danielle Carter, Cisco Insider Program, Cisco
Apr 28
52 min

Unlock AI for Retail and Predictive data analytics success with Samsoe Samsoe and Cisco Meraki.
In this episode of Tech Unscripted, Bryan Jones (SVP, Cisco) sits down with Simeon Solarsky, Head of IT and Operations at Samsoe Samsoe, to explore how to bridge the gap between online presence and brick-and-mortar stores. We dive deep into how leveraging Predictive data analytics and modern infrastructure like Wi-Fi 7 can turn IT from a cost center into a powerful engine for growth.
Moderator:
Bryan Jones – SVP Cisco
Participants:
Simeon Solarsky – Head of IT and Operations at Samsoe Samsoe
Apr 22
23 min

Cisco is redefining the future of collaboration—and this episode of Cisco Champion Radio dives straight into the innovation.
Join us as Cisco Champions and collaboration experts unpack the latest advancements across the Cisco collaboration portfolio, including one of the largest product launches in the company’s history. From next-gen devices like the Room Kit Pro G2 to powerful updates in RoomOS, Cisco is raising the bar for seamless, flexible meeting experiences.
We explore how AI is transforming the way teams connect, with intelligent features like dynamic camera switching, enhanced audio quality, and even AI-powered note-taking designed to support frontline workers. Plus, hear how Cisco continues to meet customers where they are—supporting both cloud and on-premise environments while maintaining consistent security through MDAP and RoomOS layers.
Whether you're dialing in remotely or collaborating in a high-impact meeting space, this episode highlights how Cisco is building a truly unified workplace—where technology fades into the background and connection takes center stage.
Tune in to discover how smarter, more intuitive collaboration is shaping the modern work experience.
Cisco guest
Rich Bayes, Sr. Director of Product Marketing
Cisco Champion hosts
Sijbren Beukenkamp, Director/Owner, 3Corners
Amr Nasher, Founder and CEO, Twaasol
Ahmed Attieh, Chief Technology Officer, FRINK Advanced services GmbH
Elena Pudge, Collaboration Practice Lead, Conscia UK
Moderator
Danielle Carter, Cisco Insider Program, Cisco
Apr 7
53 min

In celebration of Women's History Month, this episode of Cisco Champion Radio features a candid conversation with women in technology sharing their unique journeys into the industry. From backgrounds in law, education, and event planning to careers in networking and IT, the panel highlights how diverse experiences bring valuable perspectives to the tech space.
The discussion explores the importance of collaboration, allyship, and supportive environments while addressing the challenges women can face in male-dominated fields. The group also reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome, the value of strong communication skills, and why encouraging more young women to pursue careers in tech is critical for the future of the industry.
Cisco Champions
Micheline Murphy, Senior Consulting Systems Manager
Maren Mahoney, Senior Engineer, BlueAlly
Nicole Polachak, Senior Network Consultant II, Team Lead, BlueAlly
Moderator
Danielle Carter, Cisco Insider Program, Cisco
Mar 17
58 min

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, plan to hear a dynamic conversation on Cisco’s next-generation networking innovations—where AI integration, enhanced security, and operational simplicity come together to define the networks of tomorrow.
Our experts unpack how AI-ready infrastructure is reshaping network design, from shifting traffic patterns and automating management to enabling faster, smarter decision-making. They explore Cisco’s latest hardware advancements, including custom silicon for superior performance and post-quantum cryptography for future-proof security.
Tune in to learn how integrated security within routers simplifies operations, why feature parity across new and legacy systems matters, and how adopting a DevOps mindset empowers engineers to fully leverage AI-driven insights.
As organizations navigate digital transformation, this episode delivers a clear takeaway: simplicity, scalability, and security are the cornerstones of building resilient, AI-ready networks for the future.
Cisco guests
Mike Kraus, Americas Networking SE Leader, Cisco
Stephenie Chastain, Director, Routing TME, Cisco
Cisco Champion hosts
Len Ledford, Architect II, Advisory Services, Insight
Kenny Paula, Information Security Professional / College Instructor
Alan Gardner, CEO, Current Technologies Computer Learning Center
Moderator
Danielle Carter, Cisco, CCR Program/ Customer Voices
Feb 24
39 min

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of industrial operations — driving efficiency, precision, and safety like never before. In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we explore how AI-powered innovations such as data processing, machine vision, and robotics are revolutionizing industrial environments.
Our experts discuss what it takes to support this transformation — from robust, low-latency networking to stronger cybersecurity and seamless collaboration between IT and OT teams. Discover how Cisco solutions like Cyber Vision enhance visibility and security across production networks, why compliance with frameworks like NIST and IEC 62443 is critical, and how targeted use cases are driving real success in modern industrial systems.
Tune in for a practical look at how AI, automation, and security are converging to power the next generation of industrial operations.
Resources
https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/docs/solutions/Verticals/Industrial_Automation/Manufacturing_AI/AI_ready_industrial_networks.pdf
Cisco guest
Paul Didier, Internet of Things Solution Architect
Champion hosts
Len Ledford, Architect II, Advisor Services, Insight
Ibrahim Ramku, Network & Security CTO, TD-K A/S
Jonathan Mahady, Principal Network Engineer, BHP
Moderator
Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program
Jan 13
48 min
Load more
