The STEMINISTS Podcast

Ep. 56 - Open Source and AI: From Community Innovation to Enterprise Reality

Open source and AI are moving fast, so how can we scale these technologies without breaking things? 
In this episode of The STEMINISTS Podcast, Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams sit down with Amanda Katona, Director of Developer and Open Source Engagement at NetApp and a 2026 OpenSearch Ambassador. Together, they explore the massive shift happening right now at the intersection of AI and open source, and why community-driven innovation is critical for the future of enterprise technology. 
Listen to how organizations can navigate complex data infrastructure, strict security needs, and the rising demand for reliable AI applications. You will also learn how the open source community is drafting new governance policies to manage AI-assisted code safely and effectively. 
Key takeaways from our conversation: 
The latest trends in open source AI, including the fast-growing Agentic AI Foundation and the Model Context Protocol. 
How OpenSearch powers rapid product discovery, vector search, and intelligent observability. 
The biggest friction points enterprises face when taking open source projects from pilot to production. 
Why managed open source solutions help teams hit strict SLAs, lower costs, and keep developers focused on solving hard problems rather than managing infrastructure. 
Common misconceptions about losing control of your technology roadmap when you embrace open source. 
Whether you write code or manage enterprise IT, this conversation offers a clear look at the future of AI. 
Resources mentioned in this episode: 
Learn more about NetApp Instaclustr's commitment to open source  
Check out the Exploring AI Playlist on YouTube 
If you enjoyed this conversation, please share, download and leave a review for The STEMINISTS Podcast wherever you listen to your favorite shows! 
 
Connect with us!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandakatona/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Ep. 55 - Earth Day Every Day: Building Resilient Businesses with Responsible AI and Sustainability

April kicks off our month-long celebration of Earth Day (4/22), and we’re starting with a powerful question: What happens when AI meets sustainability? In this episode of The STEMINISTS, Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams catch up with Nicola Acutt, NetApp’s Chief Sustainability Officer and get straight to the point! If your data strategy isn’t sustainable, it’s not smart or future-proof. In this conversation, learn how fusing AI with eco-savvy thinking is the secret weapon to building a tougher, more resilient business. 
Nicola doesn’t sugarcoat it: If you’re still hoarding useless data, you’re burning cash and energy. Her no-nonsense tips show how cutting digital clutter and thinking bigger than “just recycling” can strengthen your business and shrink your footprint, fast. 
Here’s why you’ll love this episode:  
Nicola connects the dots between data and sustainability. Turns out, efficient data management is a total gamechanger.  
She shares simple, actionable tips, like why you should stop storing data you don’t need (it’s like finding money under your couch cushions).  
She shares why sustainability is more than just recycling your yogurt cups (though, keep doing that!). 
Nicola drops the truth about “systems thinking”, seeing your whole business as one bold, interconnected machine. Forget quick fixes: it’s about overhauling how you run things, crushing inefficiencies, and making every move count for serious impact. 
Hit play to get ahead of the curve, then share it and challenge your crew to rethink what real business power looks like. 
 
Check out what Sustainability looks like at NetApp.
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaacutt/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Ep. 54 - Prompting Our AI to Pop the Champagne for our First Anniversary!

Break out the confetti! The STEMINISTS Podcast has just hit one year, and we’re nowhere near slowing down. For twelve months, we’ve been unapologetically shaking up tech with bold, data-centric takes that refuse to play it safe. And what’s a better way to celebrate than with our hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams, as they catch us up on the transformation of "builders" in the wild new era of agentic AI. Artificial intelligence isn’t just following instructions anymore, it’s flipping the power dynamic in tech. 
Click play and listen in on how Phoebe and Mekka highlight the real impact of these new AI capabilities on enterprise systems and daily life. You will learn how to navigate the shift from governing people to governing intelligent agents safely. 
Key topics covered in this episode: 
The rise of agentic AI and what it means to be a "builder" right now. 
Why managing AI agents requires fresh security frameworks and strict access controls. 
The critical role of high-quality data governance to prevent security risks and AI hallucinations. 
Practical ways AI agents boost business innovation and personal productivity, including tips on using tools like Claude and GitHub Copilot. 
Organizations that prioritize data security will win in this new landscape.  
Please download, like, and share The STEMINISTS Podcast wherever you listen to your favorite shows! Thanks for joining us on this ride. Here’s to you, our listeners, for making this year unforgettable. 

Ep. 53 - AI Meets Hybrid Cloud: The Ultimate Power Couple

Dive deep into the engine room of innovation: AI. The incredible Kathy Barboza, Head of Storage Sales at Google Cloud, joins Phoebe and Mekka again for a “must-listen” convo part two.  
Kathy breaks down why data is the undisputed backbone of any AI workload and how a unified, enterprise-grade storage approach is critical for success. Discover how top companies are navigating their AI journey by moving strategic data subsets to the cloud and why Google's engineering-first culture gives them a unique edge. The discussion also covers how strategic partnerships and hybrid cloud solutions help solve complex storage challenges, ensuring even cloud-native companies build the resilience they need to scale. 
If you missed the first half of our chat, be sure to check out part one for the full story. Tune in for expert insights on AI strategy, data management, hybrid cloud solutions, and building a resilient digital ecosystem. 
 
Embrace the Cloud: https://www.netapp.com/cloud-services/
 
Confidently tackle your challenges by using storage that integrates with innovative solutions from Google Cloud: https://www.netapp.com/google-cloud/ 
 
Connect with us:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-barboza/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Ep. 52 - It Takes a Village (and a Hybrid Cloud) to Run an Enterprise [Part 1]

In 2026, the hybrid cloud is the high-voltage backbone of every bold business move, demanding strong strategic partnerships to deliver the speed and reliability modern enterprises need. If you think you can run a company without this resilient tech ecosystem, you might as well try juggling flaming servers blindfolded. Enter hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams, who are ready to crack open the hybrid cloud code alongside Google Cloud's Head of Storage Sales, Kathy Barboza. Strap in for an action-packed crash course that will shake up your tech strategy and show you exactly how to dominate with ruthless efficiency. 
Kathy also shares insights from her impressive career journey, from her early days in IT support at Intel to leading major programs at Google. She argues that for large enterprises, a hybrid model isn't just a choice; it's a necessity driven by compliance, legacy systems, and governance. The discussion covers the real challenges of untangling applications, managing diverse data protocols, and why getting your data house in order is the critical first step for any AI initiative. Learn why Kathy believes "it takes an ecosystem to run your environment" and how strategic partnerships are key to navigating the future of tech. 
And here's the best part: this is just the beginning. It's a two-part conversation, so don't miss a moment—stick around for part two and catch even more insights and strategies you won't find anywhere else. 
 
Confidently tackle your toughest storage challenges: https://www.netapp.com/google-cloud/ 
 
Connect with us!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-barboza/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Ep. 51 - Mission Impossible: How Smart CISOs Actually Win

Being a CISO these days feels straight out of Mission Impossible – stopping the Bad Actors - except there’s no self-destructing instructions, no fancy gadgets, and the dangers don’t wait for the dramatic music. While the stakes are sky-high, the task of keeping your organization secure can sometimes seem unimaginable. As AI rewrites the rules of business, security leaders are caught between shrinking budgets and exploding risks... and today, we’re getting advice from a PRO.  
In this episode, we cut through the noise with Shira Rubinoff, CEO of the Cybersphere Group, for a brutally honest look at what CISOs are truly up against. We talk about the real-world threats of deepfakes fooling even the experts, and the shadow AI tools your team is using without your knowledge. 
In this episode, Shira breaks down the essential truths of modern security: 
Bolting on security after the fact is a guaranteed failure. 
Forge your people into your sharpest line of defense through trust and smart training. 
AI is not here to take your job, but to supercharge your capabilities. 
If you want to know what actually keeps CISOs up at night and how the best are fighting back, you can't afford to miss this. 
 
Connect with us!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirarubinoff/ 

Ep. 50 – Love at First Collaboration: Secrets of Building Tech Alliances

Roses are red, partnerships are great, but TRUE tech alliances will seal your fate. Even though Valentine's Day has passed, who can’t use some relationship advice?  
Welcome to The STEMINISTS Podcast, where hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams prove it's not just romance that calls for commitment. A thriving alliance can shape the future of your enterprise tech. In this episode, sit in on their sharp, spirited chat with Jennifer Edgell, Global Alliance Director for Cisco at NetApp, and hear what it really takes to build trust, keep your mission aligned, and make innovation stick. You'll walk away with actionable lessons on collaboration, customer focus, and how the smartest in tech turn partnerships into powerhouses. 
Here is what you can expect to learn this episode:  
How to define and nurture alliances that go beyond typical partnerships 
The secrets to building trust and maintaining open, honest communication 
Why a shared mission and measurable goals are critical for success 
Tips on balancing collaboration with healthy competition (“coopetition”) 
Ways to keep innovation at the heart of a long-term alliance 
Practical advice for ensuring customer needs always come first 
How to create solutions that adapt and stay relevant in a fast-moving tech world 
Whether you are a tech veteran looking for relationship advice or just starting your journey and want to stay "cool and current," this is your source for professional development and industry trends. 
 
Team up with the best: https://www.netapp.com/alliances/ 
 
Connect with us!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferjedgell/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Ep. 49 - Manage Hybrid Multi-Cloud Mayhem and Simplify Security

In the high-stakes world of cloud technology, the real villain isn’t just runaway budgets or complex software—it’s access management lurking in the shadows. A 2024 report says a staggering 65% of organizations admit that managing access is their top multi-cloud identity management challenge.  In this episode of The STEMINISTS, we plunge straight into the heart of the struggle with Cathi Allen, Senior Product Marketing Manager at NetApp. She shares her expertise on the complexities of access management and building a strategic blueprint to ensure security and efficiency, as organizations balance on-premises and cloud resources.  
Cathi and hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams also shed light on how bringing in trusted partners can help organizations see the big picture, design effective policies, and maintain control while simplifying the management of modern, distributed infrastructure. As always, we round out the episode with our "Cool and Current" segment to get to know Cathi beyond the data. 
If you're looking for fresh insights and engaging discussions on the ever-evolving world of technology, you're in the right place. Remember to like, share, and follow The STEMINISTS podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. 
 
Check out this blog to get a head start on simplifying your data access: 
https://www.netapp.com/blog/data-access-s3-access-points-fsx-ontap/ 
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathiallen/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Ep. 48 - Signal vs Noise: Understanding Real Influence in the AI Era

Drowning in data and dazzled by digital smoke and mirrors? Today’s episode of The STEMINISTS podcast cuts through the noise and amplifies the power of Influence in business. Hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams catch up with Ricarda Rodatus, NetApp’s VP of Influence and Insights, who tells us it’s not about shouting the loudest; True influence is about filtering out the hype, highlighting what’s real, and knowing exactly when to let AI crunch the facts—or when to trust your human gut.  
They break down the ultimate questions: With everyone talking, who should you listen to? Who deserves your trust? And when everything claims to be a signal, how do you spot the one that really matters? 
Ricarda doesn’t just ride the information wave—she steers it. She lays out her straightforward DIKAR playbook (Data, Information, Knowledge, Action, Results) for turning information overload into clear, decisive moves.  
If you’re tired of shiny trends and want to think sharper, Ricarda’s blend of worldwide tech experience and candid advice will help you make sense of the madness. Learn how to filter out the static, claim authority in any room, and leverage both data and authenticity in a world of endless buzz. 
Ready to understand what real influence can achieve? Tune in, follow and share with a friend. 
 
Better insights make for better decisions: https://www.netapp.com/thought-leadership/
 Sharpen your skillset with this read: https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/noise/9781119553373/b04.xhtml 
 
Connect with us!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardarodatus/ 

Ep. 47 – Super Bowl Edition: Gridiron & Gigabytes: The Data that Powers the 49ers

In this special Super Bowl edition of The STEMINISTS, discover how a football game is more than just a game—it's a data powerhouse. Hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams are joined by Michelle Rosar, Director of Partnership Marketing for the San Francisco 49ers, to go behind the scenes at Levi's® Stadium. 
Still think the magic stops at the end zone? Guess again. The wildest plays are running behind the scenes: Supersized data, dazzling 4K displays, lighting that snaps from zero to party mode, and enough storage muscle to host a Super Bowl and World Cup back-to-back. Michelle spills how scoring with NetApp wasn’t just a win, it’s a game-changer—ditching old storage and leveling up to tech that never fumbles. 
Here’s your highlight reel: 
4K or Bust: Mega video files, flawless replays—if you can see every bead of sweat, thank data. 
Scaling Like a Pro: Out with the slow, in with innovation—freeing the stadium from yesterday’s tech. 
Fan Experience, Boss Mode: From smart LEDs to instant ticket scans, data’s making every guest feel like a VIP…whether they notice or not. 
Ready to crash the VIP booth of stadium tech? This episode is your all-access pass to the unsung brains and bold moves powering every epic game day. 
 
Read more about the unseen MVP of the NFL Season: https://www.netapp.com/customers/nfl-super-bowl/
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rosar/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/