In this episode of The COVI Way, we explore how to help organizational leaders shift their mindset from seeing IT as just “tech support” to recognizing its role as a strategic business driver. Many leaders are used to viewing IT as the department you call when something breaks. But at COVI, we believe that’s just the beginning. Our team works to change this perception—starting with how we handle even the smallest tickets. Clear communication and thoughtful problem-solving lay the foundation for broader conversations about long-term technology goals.As our relationship with a client matures, we move from solving isolated issues to offering insight on larger business challenges. This cultural shift doesn’t happen overnight, but once leaders understand that IT can help drive innovation, not just keep the lights on, everything changes.🎯 From outdated firewalls to full-scale infrastructure planning, we help clients see the bigger picture and make decisions that align with their mission.Summary:How do you move from fixing tech issues to advising on long-term strategy? In this episode, we talk about the mindset shift that helps clients see IT as a partner—not just a problem solver. Learn how Covi builds trust, shifts culture, and turns help desk tickets into meaningful business conversations.Quotes:“It starts small—like how we respond to support tickets—but it grows into something much bigger.”“This isn’t about replacing a firewall. It’s about solving real business challenges.”“Once that mindset shift clicks, clients start bringing us to the strategy table.”“We don’t want to just fix problems—we want to help you innovate.”“It takes 90 to 180 days, but once we hit stride, everything changes.”Chapters: • 00:00 – Why Mindset Matters in IT Strategy• 01:02 – Moving Beyond Transactional Tech Support• 02:20 – How Covi Handles Support Tickets Differently• 03:45 – Building Trust Through Communication• 05:18 – Shifting from Fixing Issues to Solving Business Problems• 06:42 – How Clients Learn to Leverage COVI Strategically• 08:25 – What Hitting Stride Looks Like in a Tech Partnership

In this episode of The COVI Way, host Cody Lents (VP of Sales at COVI) sits down with Eric Zhang, Product Manager at WiseFi, to unpack how AI-powered tools are transforming personal finance. WiseFi’s mission? Help one million people achieve financial independence—not by guessing, but by building real, data-driven plans.Eric shares his personal journey toward financial freedom, explains how WiseFi empowers users to see their financial future clearly, and breaks down the core tools used to plan for retirement, pay off debt, and simulate major life events. Whether you’re deep in student loans or exploring early retirement, WiseFi is built to help users take control and make smart, personalized decisions.They also dive into how WiseFi integrates AI and automation for smarter notifications, planning, and customer support—plus the platform’s growing role in equipping large organizations to boost financial literacy for their teams.🎧 Tune in to hear how AI isn’t just changing the future of finance—it’s giving people hope, clarity, and control.Summary:WiseFi’s Eric Zhang joins The COVI Way to explore how AI is revolutionizing financial planning. From debt payoff to early retirement, WiseFi builds personalized, forward-facing plans to help users gain clarity and reach financial freedom faster. Whether you’re managing a household or leading a large organization, this episode is packed with hope and practical solutions.Quotes: “Financial independence means doing what you want, with who you want, without being stuck in a job you hate.”“Most budgeting apps look backward. We help people plan forward—and that changes everything.”“Our users don’t just track spending—they build strategy.”“AI helps us deliver customized coaching at scale, not just canned advice.”“We're not just changing finances—we're restoring confidence.”Chapters:• 00:00 – Welcome + Meet Eric Zhang from WiseFi• 01:12 – What Inspired Eric’s Financial Freedom Journey• 05:26 – WiseFi’s Mission to Help 1 Million People• 08:45 – Why Budgeting Tools Fall Short• 12:22 – How WiseFi Plans for Debt, Retirement, and Life Events• 17:40 – The Power of Draft Scenarios and What-If Planning• 21:30 – Using AI to Enhance Financial Coaching and Support• 26:48 – Behind the Scenes: Tools and Tech WiseFi Uses Internally• 30:56 – Automation and AI as Force Multipliers• 35:12 – Scaling with Lean Teams and Smart Systems• 38:40 – Cybersecurity and the Challenges of a Fast-Moving Landscape• 44:00 – What’s Next on WiseFi’s Roadmap• 47:30 – Closing the Gap Between Education and Application• 51:50 – Empowering Large Organizations to Boost Financial Literacy• 55:40 – Final Thoughts + Where WiseFi Goes From Here

In this episode of The COVI Way, host Dave Vent sits down with Teddy Linder, COVI’s VP of Business Operations, to talk about what really creates a thriving workplace—and it’s not pizza parties or ping-pong tables. Teddy brings decades of experience shaping meaningful work environments and dives deep into how culture, clarity, and leadership drive employee engagement.From onboarding to feedback loops, strength-based leadership to radical candor, this conversation unpacks what employees actually need to feel valued and do their best work. It’s not about flashy perks—it’s about purpose, empowerment, and being seen.You’ll hear how small changes in how we listen, coach, and support employees can build lasting trust, loyalty, and performance. Whether you're leading a team or simply want to thrive in your role, this episode offers practical insights and powerful reminders that people—not perks—make workplaces great.🎧 Listen in to rethink how you approach leadership, engagement, and company culture.👥 Subscribe and share with someone who leads (or hopes to).Summary:What makes employees actually want to stay, grow, and thrive at work? In this episode, Covi’s Teddy Linder joins Dave Vent to explore how purpose, culture, and intentional leadership—not perks—create engagement. From onboarding to feedback to StrengthFinder, they unpack what it really means to lead people well.Key Quotes:“You can’t build great culture with perks—you build it with purpose.”“We don’t live in segments. If work isn’t fun, it won’t be meaningful.”“Employees see your company through a 15-inch screen. That experience matters.”“Being nice in the moment can be mean in the long run.”“The best leaders meet people where they are and build from there.”Chapters:• 00:00 – Welcome to The Covi Way• 01:15 – Perks vs. Purpose: What Really Drives Engagement• 04:32 – Why Knowing the “Why” Matters• 08:10 – Strength-Based Leadership in Practice• 12:25 – Building Culture Through Everyday Interactions• 17:40 – What Real Onboarding Should Look Like• 21:00 – Getting to Know Employees Beyond the Résumé• 25:18 – Interviews That Build Trust• 30:05 – Defining “Company” Through Connection• 35:10 – Creating Safe Spaces for Feedback• 38:45 – How Tech Impacts Culture• 44:30 – Listening, Coaching, and Performance• 52:45 – Radical Candor and Real Conversations• 58:00 – Empowering People Through Strength and Clarity• 1:03:22 – Final Thoughts on Leadership & Engagement• 1:06:10 – Outro and Wrap-Up✅ 7. Suggested Focus Keywords (SEO & Social Media Optimization)employee engagementworkplace cultureleadership developmentonboarding experiencestrength-based leadershipradical candorteam communicationemployee feedback loophow to lead wellcompany culture strategy

In this episode of The COVI Way, host Dave Vent sits down with Thomas Bray, COVI’s Senior Tier 3 Tech, to explore the often-overlooked connection between IT support and employee experience. While many organizations view IT as a break-fix department, Thomas reveals how a strategic approach to technology can unlock efficiency, boost productivity, and improve company culture.From onboarding to automation, hardware lifecycle management to cybersecurity, Thomas shares real-world stories of how IT goes beyond solving tech problems—it empowers people. When your team sees the company through a 15-inch screen, every glitch matters. And when tech works well, it disappears into the background and enables employees to do their best work.You’ll hear why IT should be involved earlier in decision-making, how small system changes can have big cultural impacts, and why security and usability must go hand in hand.🎧 Tune in to discover how to reframe IT as a business driver, not a cost center—and what that shift could mean for your people. Summary:COVI’s Thomas Bray joins The COVI Way to discuss how IT can go from reactive support to strategic empowerment. From smoother onboarding to better security and smarter automation, Thomas shares how technology—done right—helps teams thrive. If you’re only calling IT when something breaks, this episode will change your mindset.Key Quotes:“Every IT ticket is a consulting opportunity. There’s always a deeper business problem behind it.”“The best tech disappears—because it’s doing exactly what it should.”“Employees experience your company through a 15-inch screen. That experience matters.”“You don’t need the flashiest tools. You need the right tools that solve the right problems.”“IT has a birds-eye view of the business. When used strategically, it’s a force multiplier.”Chapters:• 00:00 – Welcome to The COVI Way• 01:10 – Why IT Is More Than Just Support• 03:45 – The “Light Switch” Mindset Problem• 07:05 – IT’s Role in Onboarding and Culture• 10:20 – Feedback From the Front Lines• 13:35 – Tech Pain Points That Never Get Reported• 17:50 – Fixing the Employee Experience With Better Tools• 21:10 – Hardware, Lifecycle, and Investment Gaps• 25:45 – Real-World Impact: Stories From the Field• 30:00 – Using Existing Tech in Smarter Ways• 33:20 – Smart Automation and System Integration• 36:50 – Why IT Should Be in Strategic Conversations• 42:00 – Security vs. Usability: Striking the Right Balance• 48:05 – Rethinking the Future of IT Support• 52:20 – Final Takeaways for Tech Decision Makers