The STEMINISTS Podcast

Ep. 32 - Disaggregated Infrastructure: What you Need to have for Enterprise AI

Disaggregated infrastructure for enterprise AI. It’s a mouthful, but it could completely change your business and boost your bottom line. In this episode of The STEMINISTS Podcast, tech gurus Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams are joined by NetApp’s Kris Cornwall to discuss what you must know to make your data “AI ready with no compromises.” 
As AI moves from experiment to essential business processes, the old rules for data don't always apply. Kris explains how disaggregated infrastructure and disaggregated storage solve the biggest bottleneck: decoupling massive performance needs from capacity. This helps you scale, optimize expensive GPU utilization, and finally get AI projects into production. Learn how NetApp ONTAP delivers this modern architecture with enterprise-grade essentials like integrated ransomware protection, adaptive QoS, and multi-cloud data mobility. Plus, get a preview of how new metadata engines and semantic search will help you curate perfect AI datasets. 
Listen now to get your data AI ready and follow for more! 
 
Join us at NetApp INSIGHT 2025!
https://www.netapp.com/insight/
 
Learn more about the only enterprise-grade data platform for AI:
http://netapp.com/afx 
 
Learn about your data storage options:
http://netapp.com/data-storage 
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Ep. 31 - Guardians of the Data Vault: CISOs + Storage = Security

When CISOs and data storage teams join forces, the organization’s defense moves from patchwork to powerhouse. In this episode of The STEMINISTS, hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams tap into the sharp mind of CSO Hall of Famer Mignona Cote to dissect what really happens when security meets storage. This partnership is a MUST!  Mignona pulls no punches—revealing how empathy and trust smash silos, why AI chaos and compliance headaches demand smarter teamwork, and how breaking old habits is the fastest route to bulletproof data. Forget bland checklists; this is your front-row seat to the bold new playbook for uniting CISOs and storage leaders, built on clarity, collaboration, and a little attitude. 
Don’t miss this insightful episode where Mignona shares her strategies for navigating the intersection of security and storage in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. Tune in now to gain actionable insights and prepare your organization for the challenges ahead. Make sure to follow the series to stay updated on future episodes packed with expert advice and innovative solutions! 
 
Fortify your security posture with comprehensive storage protection:
https://www.netapp.com/cyber-resilience/ 
 
Learn how to eliminate your storage blind spot: 
https://www.netapp.com/blog/data-security-storage-layer-cyber-resilience/ 
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mignonacote/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Ep. 30 - Cloud Boundaries: Sovereignty Made Simple

What IS sovereign cloud, and why is everyone suddenly talking about it? In this episode, we bring back the brilliant Cecile Kellam, senior solutions architect at NetApp, to break it all down, alongside our very own Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams. Cecile doesn’t just demystify sovereign cloud—she shares why it’s become one of the hottest topics in tech. 
From geopolitical drama to protecting your organization’s “secret sauce” (whether that’s state secrets or cutting-edge IP), Cecile explains how sovereign cloud is more than just a private cloud with a fancy name. It’s a whole “trust” architecture designed to keep your data safe, compliant, and exactly where it needs to be. 
But it’s not all sunshine and sovereignty. Cecile dives into the trade-offs—like the risk of creating a “self-imposed digital blackout”—and the challenges of balancing data protection with mobility. Plus, she dishes on how sovereign cloud is making waves in industries like healthcare, finance, and AI, where data sovereignty is becoming non-negotiable. 
Thinking about jumping on the sovereign cloud bandwagon? Cecile’s got some advice: don’t let compliance fears push you into a knee-jerk decision. Educate yourself, avoid vendor lock-in, and make sure it’s the right solution for your needs. Sometimes, a smarter move is just extending your business continuity plan across multiple public clouds. 
 
🔑 Key Takeaways: 
Sovereign cloud: what it is and why it’s trending. 
The differences between sovereign and private cloud. 
The balancing act of data sovereignty vs. mobility. 
Why industries like healthcare, finance, and AI are all in on sovereign cloud. 
How to avoid costly mistakes when considering a sovereign cloud solution. 
If you’re ready to get smart about sovereign cloud, this episode is your go-to guide. Hit play and let Cecile drop some serious knowledge! 
 
Check out the NIST Framework: 
https://www.netapp.com/pdf.html?item=/media/88824-na-1113-protect-your-data-from-ransomware.pdf  
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/%E2%98%81-cecile-kellam-%E2%98%81/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Ep. 29 - Agentic AI: What to know and how to make it work for you

Worried AI might be coming for your job? You’re not alone—but it’s not all doom and gloom. In this episode of The STEMINISTS Podcast, co-hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams dive into the rise of Agentic AI, a next-gen evolution of generative AI that doesn’t just suggest ideas—it takes action. From fixing code vulnerabilities to hunting down sales leads, this tech is stepping into roles that once required human hands. 
 
An IBM report predicts 75% of executives expect AI agents to take over transactional workflows within two years, so it’s easy to feel like the robots are stealing your spot. But Phoebe and Mekka flip the script, exploring how there’s still room to collaborate with AI rather than fear it. They discuss how this tech can amplify human potential, taking on repetitive tasks so we can focus on creativity, strategy, and innovation. 
 
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. The duo also tackles the risks—like the erosion of human skills and the loss of personal connection—and why safeguards like transparency and data integrity are non-negotiable. 
 
If you’re ready to face the future of work head-on, this episode is your guide to navigating the promise, pitfalls, and possibilities of Agentic AI. Tune in and take control—before the robots do. 
 
Check out Sarah Bartel's episode: 
https://steminists.podbean.com/e/building-no-regret-skills-for-your-ai-powered-workplace/ 
 
Don't miss out on this years INSIGHT 2025: 
https://www.netapp.com/insight/  
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Ep. 28 - Turning unstructured data into business gold

Did you know that unstructured data makes up a staggering 80-90% of all the data in the world? And yet, most businesses have no idea how to manage it. In this episode of The Steminists, hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams team up with the always-insightful Darnell Fatigati, Principal Product Marketing Manager at NetApp, to break down why unstructured data is the key to unlocking AI’s true potential—and how to stop letting it run wild. 
 
You’ll learn: 
Why manual data labeling is officially dead and what’s taking its place. 
How to get your scattered, siloed data under control without moving it all over the place. 
The secret to making AI smarter, faster, and more accurate: continuous data classification. 
Real-world examples of AI tools turning unstructured chaos into business gold. 
 
Darnell also dishes on NetApp’s cutting-edge solutions like NetApp Neo and teases what’s coming at the NetApp Insight event this October. 
 
🎧 Listen now and learn how to turn your unstructured data into your biggest competitive edge. 
 
Join Us at INSIGHT 2025, REGISTER NOW!
https://www.netapp.com/insight/  
 
Learn more about unstructured data:
https://www.netapp.com/data-storage/unstructured-data/what-is-unstructured-data/  
 
Connect with us!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/darnellfatigati/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Ep. 27 - Build It Right: AI’s Cheat Code for Data & Engineering Success

How do you give your customers what they need to grow their business? And how do you build it, so it protects your data and enhances your AI capabilities? In this episode of “The STEMINISTS,” we sit down with Priya Idgunji, VP of Engineering for ONTAP at NetApp, to explore the pivotal role of translating customer needs into creating modern, customer-centric products. How should engineering leaders think about data infrastructure modernization and AI, in how their teams work and deliver to their customers?  
Join us as Priya delves into the art of translating customer needs into technical specifications and the challenges of integrating new features into a mature product. She also shares how her teams leverage AI to automate repetitive tasks, enhance code quality, and accelerate innovation—freeing engineers to tackle more complex challenges. 
 
Priya also paints an exciting vision for the future, where AI enables proactive, intelligent features like predictive system maintenance and adaptive scalability, reshaping the software development lifecycle and redefining customer experiences. 
 
Whether you're an engineer, product manager, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of engineering, AI, and customer-centric innovation. 
 
Transform your data management experience:  
https://www.netapp.com/ontap-data-management-software/  
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-idgunji/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Ep. 26 - The Data-Driven Partnership Behind DreamWorks’ Animated Films

Ever wonder what it takes to bring the enchanting worlds of Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and The Wild Robot to the big screen?  Join hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams as they chat with Kate Swanborg, Senior Vice President of Technology Communications and Strategic Alliances at DreamWorks Animation, to uncover the cutting-edge tech and partnership that powers these iconic films and the excitement behind the latest release, The Bad Guys 2. 
From generating over half a billion files per movie to perfecting layered animation processes like storyboarding, effects, and lighting, Kate reveals the intricate dance between imagination and technology. Discover how the long-standing partnership with NetApp has been instrumental in managing DreamWorks’ colossal data needs, freeing up their artists to work at the speed of creativity.  For anyone curious about how tech fuels creativity or the behind-the-scenes innovation driving some of the most beloved animated franchises, this episode offers a front-row seat to the action. 
🎧 Press play to explore the intersection of creativity and technology, and don’t forget to follow for more fascinating insights! 
 
Learn more about the DreamWorks partnership:
https://www.netapp.com/partnerships/dreamworks/ 
 
Discover the power of unified end-to-end observability
https://www.netapp.com/data-infrastructure-insights/  
 
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateswanborg/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Ep. 25 - A Quick Guide to IT Modernization Success

Ready to challenge the status quo? The STEMINISTS podcast is pulling no punches this week, as hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams chat with NetApp’s own Banu Sundhar, a powerhouse in technical marketing, about what it really takes to modernize. Forget the pretty PowerPoints—Banu exposes why tackling just applications or infrastructure in isolation will leave your tech team stuck in the past.
With sharp insights and zero fluff, this episode digs into the nuts and bolts: Why do organizations throw their hats into the modernization ring? Can you honestly ditch your dusty legacy systems without losing sleep over your data? How do you wrangle cloud, on-prem, VMs, and containers without losing your mind—or your security posture?
Get the straight talk on going hybrid, where mixing cloud and on-prem isn’t just smart—it’s survival. Learn how to slash downtime, dodge classic migration blunders, and manage VMs and containers side by side. Banu doesn’t sugarcoat the truth about budgets, upskilling your people, or riding the relentless wave of tech evolution.
Packed with war stories, must-know resources, and unfiltered guidance for anyone with skin in the modernization game, this episode will arm you to face your next big transformation without blinking. Listen in—or be left in the digital dust.
 
 
CTA Links:
Join the NetApp Community:
https://community.netapp.com/
 
Innovate with data-driven modernization:
https://www.netapp.com/data-infrastructure-modernization/
 
 
LinkedIns:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/banusundhar/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/

Ep. 24 - Partners in Profit: Dominate the Tech Industry through Killer Partnerships

How do you dominate the tech industry through killer partnerships? In this episode, Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams get real with Jenni Flinders, SVP of Worldwide Partner Group at NetApp, to uncover the raw truth about what it takes to turn collaboration into cash and attract, grow and retain great Sales partners.  Jenni is a powerhouse consistently ranked among the top channel sales leaders. She spills her secrets behind NetApp’s partner-driven success—where 86% of the company’s revenue comes from its carefully chosen allies. 
Jenni doesn’t hold back as she breaks down what makes a partner program truly work: Keep it simple, stay ahead of the curve, and help partners stand out in a crowded market. From the game-changing 'Partners Sphere' program to co-selling strategies and no-BS feedback sessions, NetApp is rewriting the playbook on how to attract and retain top-tier partners. 
But it doesn’t stop there. Jenni dishes on how NetApp equips its partners to crush it in emerging tech trends like AI, offering training, solution competencies, and the tools they need to deliver jaw-dropping results for their customers. If you’re ready to learn how to build partnerships that don’t just survive but thrive, this episode is your backstage pass. 
 
Become a NetApp Partner: 
https://www.netapp.com/partners/become-a-partner/
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniflinders/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Ep. 23 - Is GenAI Outsmarting Us or Just Making Us Lazy?

Is AI turning our brains to mush? Hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams are joined by Karissa “KB” Breen, the sharp-tongued cybersecurity journalist behind the popular podcast, KBKast, for a no-holds-barred look at how AI is rewriting the rules of the game. 
From the sneaky rise of unsanctioned “shadow AI” tools to the unnervingly convincing world of deepfakes, KB doesn’t shy away from calling out the dangers this tech brings to the table. Are we trading critical thinking for convenience? Losing control over data in the name of innovation? The risks are very real. 
But it’s not all doom and gloom. KB fires back with the flip side of AI’s story, sharing how it’s supercharging threat detection and giving security teams the power to translate technical nightmares into executive decisions—with clarity and impact. 
If you’re in the business of keeping data safe, leading the AI charge, or just want to know how far the rabbit hole goes, this episode delivers the raw, unfiltered truth you need to hear. 
🎧 Hit play now for an edgy, eye-opening take on the future of cybersecurity. And don’t forget to follow, because this conversation is only the beginning. 
 
Check out KB's Podcast: 
https://open.spotify.com/show/7kg5SAfJF4O9NOq1aDc1eX?si=ebab318b21cd4ade 
 
Learn how to power your AI:
https://www.netapp.com/artificial-intelligence/
 
Connect with us!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karissabreen/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/