The STEMINISTS Podcast

Ep. 22 - The AI Space Race Is On: Are You Bridging the Data Gap?

The results are in! According to NetApp’s AI Space Race survey, only 15% of AI initiatives succeed… and the barrier isn’t ambition. It’s alignment. 
In this episode, NetApp CMO Gabie Boko joins Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams to unpack what’s really holding organizations back: The disconnect between people, data, and strategy. 
Data silos. Fragmented ownership. Misaligned priorities. These aren’t just operational issues – they’re the root cause of stalled innovation and missed outcomes. 
The key is adopting an Intelligent Data Infrastructure approach that brings clarity, connection, and consistency to your data. When teams align around secure, trusted, and accessible data, AI can finally deliver on its promise. 
Tune in to hear how leaders are closing the execution gap to help YOU lead with clarity in an AI-driven world! And check out the NetApp AI Space Race report and join us at NetApp INSIGHT in October to see how we’re making Intelligent Data Infrastructure real. Registration is now open! 
 
Learn more about the AI Space Race 
https://www.netapp.com/media/136511-na-1180-ai-space-race.pdf
 
Inside the NetApp AI 2025 Report: The AI Space Race
https://www.linkedin.com/events/insidethenetappai2025report-the7340492842705821697/theater/  
 
Learn how to turn data into the true driver of transformation
https://www.netapp.com/intelligent-data-infrastructure/ 
 
Register for INSIGHT 2025!
https://www.netapp.com/insight/  
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabieboko/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 
 

Ep. 21 - Build vs. Buy: What works for a nimbler AI strategy?

What happens when enterprise AI grows up? Hosts Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams team up with Nichole Paschal, Senior AI Product Marketer at NetApp, to unpack how businesses are shifting from flashy, GPU-heavy solutions to smarter, nimbler AI, powered by CPUs. Nichole, a strategist who’s mastered the art of crafting growth and execution blueprints across diverse teams, shares her insider perspective on navigating this transformation. 
 
The episode dives into the all-important “build vs. buy” decision, breaking down what enterprises need to weigh for rapid deployment, tailored solutions, and cost-effective strategies. But it’s not just about the tech. Nichole, Phoebe, and Mekka tackle the real-world hurdles of integrating AI into legacy systems, safeguarding data privacy, and ensuring rock-solid security. And, of course, they explore how hybrid on-premises and cloud-based solutions offer enterprises the best of both worlds. 
 
Whether you’re debating your next AI move or just love a fresh take on innovation, this episode is a goldmine of sharp insights wrapped in practical wisdom. Tune in, and don’t just keep up with enterprise AI—stay ahead of it. 
 
Listen today and join the conversation! 
 
Transform AI ambition into AI success:  
https://www.netapp.com/pdf.html?item=/media/138141-na-1199-aipod-mini-intel-infographic.pdf 
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholepaschal/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Ep. 20 - Bias Be Gone! Use AI with Fairness

Is your AI playing fair? Maybe yes, maybe no. Join Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams as they chat with Naomi DeMarco, a pro in AI bias and data governance, about how bias sneaks into AI systems and wreaks havoc. 
 
From hiring tools that exclude women to medical models that fail entire groups, this conversation gets into the real-world consequences of biased AI. And the stakes are high—unchecked bias can damage businesses, alienate customers, and perpetuate inequality. 
 
The good news? Naomi shares actionable steps to tackle AI bias head-on, from building diverse teams to rigorous testing and smarter data practices, all while keeping humans in the loop. 
 
If you care about making AI fair for everyone, this episode is for you. Hit play, follow, and join us in shaping a more inclusive future. 
  
 
Learn more about AI Solutions:  
https://www.netapp.com/artificial-intelligence/  
 
Check out Naomi's Blog!
The AI Data Governance Tightrope: Balancing Risk, Reward, Right, and Wrong:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-data-governance-tightrope-balancing-risk-reward-right-demarco-awayc  
 
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nldemarco/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Ep. 19 - Workloads Gone Wild: Taming Cloud Migration Chaos

Ever wondered if “cloud-first” is still the smartest move? Join your favorite dynamic duo, Phoebe Goh and Mekka Williams, as they chat with Jenny Marshall, global go-to-market strategy leader at NetApp, about why it might be time to rethink that playbook. 
 Jenny unpacks the shift from the old-school “cloud-first” mandate to the savvier “intelligent application placement” approach. It’s not about chasing the cloud for the sake of it, but figuring out where each workload truly belongs - whether that’s on-prem, private cloud, or public cloud. Along the way, they reveal the irresistible perks of cloud adoption, like modernization, tighter security, resilience, and yes, saving those precious dollars. 
 But hang on, it’s not all sunshine and server racks. Cloud migration has its plot twists. From sorting application priorities to untangling dependencies and calculating the real costs, there’s plenty to master. Plus, what’s the secret sauce for migration magic? Hint: it’s getting your whole team on board and rowing in the same direction. 
 Packed with no-nonsense tips and clever strategies, this episode is your backstage pass to cloud success. Hit play, follow, and maybe even leave a review (because, you know, sharing is caring)! 
 
Innovate with Data-driven applications: https://www.netapp.com/data-infrastructure-modernization/  
Elevate your cloud to new heights: https://www.netapp.com/cloud-services/  
 
Connect with us! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-marshall-a855516/  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekkacodes/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ 

Ep. 18 - 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/ 

Ep. 17 - 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/ 

Ep. 16 - 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/ 

Ep. 15 - 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/ 
 

Ep. 14 - 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/ 

Ep. 13 - 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/