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IT Pros: exclusive shows await you on Patreon, focusing on the more challenging aspects of running your practice and working with clients and employees.

614: Navigating AI in IT Consulting: Insights from Michael Thomsen of Origin 84

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Navigating AI in IT Consulting: Insights from Michael Thomsen

In this episode of Command Control Power, hosts welcome Michael Thomsen of Origin 84, dialing in from Australia. Michael shares critical insights into the use of AI in IT consulting. Topics range from the pros and cons of binge-listening to tech podcasts to the practical uses of AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. Michael emphasizes the importance of balancing automation with human interaction, sharing examples of how AI can enhance efficiency, such as generating meeting summaries, handling complex client requests, and improving ticketing systems. The discussion also touches on the risks of data leakage, the necessity of well-defined policies, and the future implications of AI in both enhancing productivity and posing security challenges.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:36 Listener Feedback and Follow-Up

02:41 AI Tools in Daily Work

05:51 AI Integration in Business

09:08 Real-World AI Use Cases

13:52 Challenges and Best Practices with AI

23:50 AI in Education and Policy

27:22 Understanding AI Policies and Data Leakage

28:28 Balancing AI Empowerment and Security Risks

29:21 Credential Stuffing and Security Examples

30:49 Implementing Effective AI Policies

32:10 Microsoft Tools for Data Security

35:03 Challenges in Modern Security Practices

39:14 Leveraging AI for Productivity

42:09 AI in Client Communication and Ticketing

47:48 The Human Element in AI Integration

51:32 Concluding Thoughts on AI and Security

613: Inside the World of IT: Daily Challenges and Unlikely Solutions

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In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss several interesting and challenging situations they’ve encountered. They start by encouraging listeners to support them on Patreon for additional content, including unedited YouTube broadcasts. The main discussions cover a range of topics: the idea of maintaining up-to-date hardware for clients, how to strategically manage old equipment, and the peculiar case of a client getting inundated with spam emails likely as a cover for fraudulent activities involving a Best Buy purchase. They explore possible solutions and share their experiences dealing with such disruptions. Additionally, Jerry shares a humorous story about helping a client with her TV and encountering an unexpected twist with a generous tip to a technician.

00:00 Introduction and Patreon Promotion

01:38 Unedited YouTube Broadcasts

02:52 Barcelona Travel Talk

04:00 Tech Truisms and Client Discussions

06:38 Client Hardware Upgrade Policies

12:31 Unsupported Hardware Fees and Security Risks

27:45 Apple Business Manager and iCloud Issues

34:40 The Mysterious Phone Issue

35:28 Joe's Story: The Spam Attack

37:07 Understanding the Hacker's Tactics

39:28 Dealing with the Spam Flood

46:44 A Disgruntled Employee?

47:59 The Best Buy Clue

49:15 The Police Involvement

50:20 The Amateur Hacker Theory

55:27 Jerry's Funny TV Repair Story

01:02:27 Conclusion and Next Steps

611: Breaking Bad-Blaze

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Cirrus Partners

Adventures in Paris, Battery Woes, and the Backblaze Debacle

Join us for an engaging episode of Command Control Power as Jerry reports live from a beautiful chapel in Paris. He shares his travel experiences in the city, the challenges of walking and navigating with Apple Maps, and the frustrations with iPhone battery life. The conversation then shifts to a deep dive into tech issues, including a detailed discussion on the recent woes with Backblaze's backups, Apple's AI shortcomings, and how customer feedback plays a role in tech improvement. Tune in for insights, tech tips, and a few laughs along the way.

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00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:22 Travel Experiences in Paris

01:06 Apple Maps and Battery Issues

02:38 Navigating Paris with Technology

04:25 Family Travel Challenges

07:51 Battery Saver Tips and Mishaps

15:21 Switching Phone Services

20:14 iPad Repair and Justifications

24:19 Apple Devices and Siri Frustrations

25:35 First Mover Advantage in Tech

29:27 Apple's Approach to AI and Privacy

35:20 Backblaze Backup Issues

42:09 Backblaze Support and Fixes

53:30 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

610: Travel Tales and Techie Triumphs: Sam's Hawaii Adventure & Exploring Alectrona Patch

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In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts dive into a vibrant conversation starting with Sam's recent trip to Maui, Hawaii. Sam shares his experience, the unexpected challenges, and how he managed to take a much-needed mental break from work. His trip also marks his personal milestone of visiting all 50 U.S. states. The discussion then shifts to various tech topics, including challenges in managing family travel expenses and the cost-saving tips on accommodations and food during vacations. The hosts also humorously explore unusual solutions for managing snoring, such as using paper tape to tape the mouth shut while sleeping, based on a recent popular trend.

The tech talk intensifies as Joe delves into his experience deploying Alectrona Patch, a tool for managing software updates across client machines, using Addigy. He shares the ease of use, the features that impressed him, and the quick support he received from Alectrona. Sam and Jerry also weigh in with their experiences and tips, making a strong case for using Patch for efficient software management. Additional discussions include dental technology for making impressions and the benefits of modern night guards, as well as the intriguing Larq smart water bottle that purifies water and tracks your hydration through an app.

00:00 Introduction and Maui Brewing Company Hat

00:38 Travel Stories and Hawaii Adventures

01:33 Challenges of Traveling with Family

02:13 Unexpected Shortages and Vacation Costs

03:13 The Importance of Disconnecting on Vacation

06:09 Travel Tips and Personal Experiences

16:38 Dental Implants and Modern Technology

20:27 Water Purification and Health Gadgets

23:22 The Water Bottle Trend

23:49 Collapsible Water Bottles for Travel

25:14 Technological Advancements in Hydration

27:33 Implementing Patch Software

35:14 Customizing Patch for Client Needs

41:15 Practical Tips and Experiences with Patch

50:42 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

609: Insights and Updates from ACEs Conference 2025 with Justin Esgar

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Insights and Updates from ACEs Conference 2025 with Justin Esgar

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts welcome back Justin Esgar of ACEs Conference. The discussion kicks off with light-hearted banter about colds and convincing Jerry to buy a ticket for the upcoming ACEs Conference. Justin shares behind-the-scenes insights into his daily routine and the value of attending ACEs, highlighting its focus on business growth for consultants, the expansion of the conference to include special training sessions at the 'big fruit company' campus, and how it helps attendees improve client relations and efficiencies. The conversation also covers the unique supportive nature of the Apple community and the upcoming Edward Esgar ACES Scholarship in honor of Justin's father. The episode wraps up with an insightful discussion about the ACES Mastermind program, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and community support in the tech industry.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Justin Esgar

01:01 Daily Routine and Behind the Scenes

01:56 ACEs Conference Overview

02:50 Special Training and Business Focus

04:43 Consulting and Sales Strategies

16:24 Importance of Cyber Insurance

19:13 Bringing Employees to ACEs

26:28 Tim Pearson's Chat and Wedding Insights

26:55 Honoring My Dad: The Edward Esgar ACES Scholarship

28:35 Funny Story: The Car Mix-Up

29:59 All Things MSP and Podcasting

31:22 The Sandwich Compliment and Fearless Feedback

36:57 Mastermind Program and Business Coaching

42:06 The Unique Apple Community

47:44 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts