The STEMINISTS Podcast

Ransomware: Hackers Hate This Episode (And You’ll Love It)

What’s the #1 way your business can get hacked? Cyber criminals are relentless, but YOU can be smarter! Listen to this episode of “The STEMINISTS” to find out!  Hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams welcome back Darnell Fatigati, a powerhouse in technical marketing at NetApp, to tell you how you can fight back ASAP against ransomware. With years of experience in tech and telecom, Darnell brings expert insights on staying ahead of the threats. 
You’ll hear what leads 75% of ransomware incidents and how even small mistakes, like clicking malicious links, can spark big problems. But fear not. This episode dives into actionable tips, from user behavior analytics to beefing up storage defenses, and the importance of using a layered security strategy to guard your data. 
Don’t miss this crash course in cyber defense. Press play, follow, and fortify your digital world today! 
 
STRENGTHENING CYBERRESILIENCE: ASTORAGE ADMINISTRATOR’S GUIDE TO RANSOMWARE PROTECTION:  
https://www.netapp.com/pdf.html?item=/media/125915-na-1158-netapp-strengthening-cyber-resilience-guide.pdf 
 
Cyber Resilience Administration Skill Path 
https://www.netapp.com/support-and-training/netapp-learning-services/learning-paths/ontap-cyber-resilience-administration/ 
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/darnellfatigati/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Building “No Regret” Skills for your AI-Powered Workplace

Welcome back to Part 2 of our conversation with Accenture’s Sarah Bartel on thriving in the age of AI. While last week’s episode explored how leaders must evolve their teams to meet AI’s challenges, this episode focuses on YOU, the individual. How can you secure your value and stay ahead as AI rapidly transforms the workplace? Sarah joins our hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams and introduces "No Regret” skills — transferable abilities that hold their worth even as technology evolves. 
From foundational digital skills to uniquely human traits like empathy, ethics, and relationship building, Sarah details what it takes to stand out in this AI-driven era. She also unpacks how AI is becoming more than just a tool and evolving into a "coworker," requiring a rethinking of human roles. With actionable tips, including how to practice with AI tools like ChatGPT and access educational resources, this episode equips you with everything you need to future-proof your career. 
Don’t miss this valuable conversation on owning your growth in the AI era. Hit play, follow for more insightful episodes, and share this one with friends looking to thrive alongside AI! 
 
Learn something new with Udacity:
https://www.udacity.com/
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-gottry-bartel/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Leading AI-Driven Change Across Your Business

Are you ready to lead a world transformed by AI? You’d better be...and we’ll tell you how!  Hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams sit down with Sarah Bartel, Accenture’s global cloud talent and organizational change lead, for an inspiring discussion on preparing your teams for the future of work. 
Sarah brings her wealth of experience to the table: She presents MIT's "Leading the AI Driven Organization" course and specializes in the human side of tech-enabled transformations. She works with leaders to reshape their organizations, cultures, and talent strategies to effectively adopt emerging technologies. 
This episode dives into the biggest challenges and opportunities AI presents. Learn how a skills-based approach to hiring and team organization can future-proof your workforce, why trust between leaders and employees is more important than ever, and how AI can enhance human potential rather than replace it. 
Whether you're a leader navigating the complexities of AI or an aspiring manager, this episode offers actionable insights to help you foster adaptability and lead with a people-first mindset. (you may want to save this paragraph for part two... haha) 
Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation. Hit play now, follow for more episodes, and share this with fellow leaders looking to thrive in the AI-driven era! 
 
Work, Workforce, Workers Age of Generative AI Report 
https://www.accenture.com/content/dam/accenture/final/accenture-com/document-2/Accenture-Work-Can-Become-Era-Generative-AI.pdf  
 
Leading the AI Driven Organization MIT Course  
https://executive.mit.edu/course/leading-the-ai-driven-organization/a054v00000r9U5cAAE.html  
 
Develop your skills with NetApp  
https://www.netapp.com/support-and-training/netapp-learning-services/learning-paths/  
 
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-gottry-bartel/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Modernizing your data infrastructure strategy: What works, what doesn’t?

Is your data center prepared to handle the diverse and growing demands of modern applications, cloud solutions, legacy systems, and stringent regulations? If managing this complexity feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. On this episode, we’re breaking down the real challenges of modernization and exploring what it takes to build data center strategies for success that last. 
From meeting security requirements to accommodating the needs of both your customers and internal teams, we’ll discuss the balancing act organizations face today. You’ll learn why keeping up isn’t just about technology purchases but also about changing hearts and minds to create sustainable progress. 
Join us as we unpack the keys to navigating this high-stakes landscape, ensuring your data center thrives under pressure. Whether you’re a tech leader, strategist, or just curious about the future of modernization, this episode offers practical insights and thought-provoking discussions. 
🎙 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on shaping the future of technology! Rate, review, and share to help others discover the show. 
 
Learn how to keep up with your increasing infrastructure complexity and storage workload demands: https://www.netapp.com/data-infrastructure-insights/ 
 
Simplifying IT through unified storage with ONTAP:  https://www.netapp.com/customers/it-use-cases/it-infrastructure-unified-storage-ontap/ 
 
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 
 

Tackling Gen AI’s Legal and Ethical Minefield

What does it take to harness the power of generative AI without crashing into its risks? Hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams sit down with Beth O’Callahan, a powerhouse C-suite executive with over two decades of experience guiding tech giants through high-stakes challenges like geo-political hurdles, regulatory shifts, and workforce transformations. 
Beth gets real about Gen AI’s productivity-boosting potential and the legal and ethical pitfalls lurking beneath the surface. From intellectual property issues to AI bias, she breaks down why governance, employee readiness, and fearless leadership are critical for success. 
This is the raw, unfiltered guide to Gen AI your business needs. Hit play now. 
 
Learn how to power your Gen AI workloads responsibly: https://www.netapp.com/artificial-intelligence/generative-ai-solutions/  
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-o-callahan-046a511a/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

How to Become an AI Ninja: Your Checklist for Success

Want to master your AI strategy and slice through challenges like an AI Ninja? Hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams team up with Kirsty Biddiscombe, a seasoned Sales Business Development Manager with over two decades of expertise in datacenter solutions, to uncover the secret to AI success. 
 
Get ready to decode the mysteries of your data—what you have, where it’s hiding, how to wield it, and what it’s capable of. They’ll also introduce you to NetApp's AI Readiness Assessment, a genius 10-step process designed to help you map use cases, prioritize like a pro, and craft a killer action plan. 
 
This episode is packed with sharp insights, expert advice, and plenty of aha moments. Tune in and level up your AI game! 
 
NetApp’s AI Readiness Datasheet:  
https://www.netapp.com/pdf.html?item=/media/117361-ds-4307-ai-readiness-workshop-datasheet.pdf&v=20241119184  
 
Join the AI Readiness Experience:  
https://www.netapp.com/forms/ai-readiness-assessment-registrationpage/?internal_promo=dmai-aiml-multi-all-ww-webc-spp-aihub_to_ai_wokrshop_com-1732647420856 
 
Begin your assessment here: 
https://www.netapp-ai-maturity-model.com/
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsty-biddiscombe/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Cyber Danger is Real: Global Threats, Local Risks

Global security isn’t just about governments; it’s about protecting your business, your personal life, and yes, even your power and electricity. With data flying around the globe (spoiler alert: we’re all part of this), staying secure is no longer optional. 
Join Tech Gurus - Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams as they talk to world traveler Kristen Verderame, VP of Government Relations, on what happens “there” affects you “here” - how global policies shape the safety of your everyday essentials, from banking to clean water to your company’s security. Learn how to protect what matters most with practical cybersecurity tips and insights into government efforts to shield critical infrastructure that could be the target of a terrorist attack. This is a MUST hear and a MUST learn. 
 
Tune in to see what global security really means for you (and how to make your digital life safer). Don’t miss it! 
 
Learn how to secure your data, protect its privacy and support compliance:  https://www.netapp.com/esg/trust-center/  
 
 
Connect with Us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-neller-verderame-31746a8/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Stealing Today, Cracking Tomorrow: The Quantum Threat to Encryption

The Q- word... Quantum computing... The threat of it decrypting your company's critical data is real! What must you know now to protect your data and keep it secure in the future?  
Hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams sit down with Sandra Dunbar, a seasoned expert with 20 years in the cyber-resilience space. Together, they unpack the quantum threat, decode its potential to break encryption, and explore the race toward post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Get ready to learn what’s at stake and what it takes to stay ahead in this high-stakes digital era. 
 
Is your storage Quantum Ready? Learn more here: https://www.netapp.com/cyber-resilience/post-quantum-cryptography/ 
 
Check out Sandra’s Blog on why you data’s safety net is fraying https://www.netapp.com/blog/post-quantum-cryptography-storage-layer/  
 
Get ready. Q-Day is coming. Read what others have to say:  
https://www.storagereview.com/review/q-day-is-coming-is-your-storage-quantum-safe  
 
 
Connect with Us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandradunbar/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 

Data Rx: Prescribing Solutions for Healthcare’s Big Data Boom and How it Affects You

By 2025, the healthcare industry will crank out 30% of the planet’s 175 zettabytes. (Yes, zettabytes are a thing, and they’re huge.) Alot of that data is your X-rays, mammograms, MRIs and other tests that keep you healthy. Healthcare expert Kim Garriott joins hosts Mekka Williams and Phoebe Goh – and you wanna meet Kim. She’s IT Magazine’s “100 People You Need to Know.” Together, they break down how healthcare’s data boom is reshaping the game. From imaging to genomics, they expose the challenges of managing and securing this mountain of sensitive info. Plus, they spill the details on one massive data breach that left millions vulnerable and share must-hear advice on keeping your healthcare data locked up tight. Tune in, because playing fast and loose with data just isn’t an option. 
 
Data is the lifeline to good care, learn how to protect it: https://www.netapp.com/industries/healthcare/ 
 
Learn how saving your data can save lives: 
https://www.netapp.com/pdf.html?item=/media/135021-sb-4320-netapp-cyber-resilience-for-healthcare-and-life-sciences.pdf
 
 
Connect with Us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimgarriott/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Ransomware: Strategies to stay secure and outsmart the bad guys

Ransomware is on the rise, but don’t panic—we’ve got answers. Hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams team up with Cybersecurity pro Darnell Fatigati to share practical tips to identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover from attacks. They’ll break down the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and dive into the dangers of “ransomware as a service.”Tune in for smart strategies, sharp insights, and a touch of wisdom.
 
Learn more about the NIST Cybersecurity framework: https://community.netapp.com/t5/Tech-ONTAP-Blogs/Get-to-Know-BlueXP-Ransomware-Protection-The-Easiest-and-Most-Comprehensive/ba-p/452795 
 
Learn how to secure your data: https://www.netapp.com/cyber-resilience/  
 
Connect with Us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/darnellfatigati/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/