Data Protection Gumbo

Joel Christner, CEO of View Systems, talks about why so many enterprise AI projects fall flat—despite powerful models and high expectations. The culprit? Bad or disorganized data. Joel explains how fragmented tools, shadow IT, and poor data hygiene create major roadblocks to AI success. He shares how View Systems built a platform to solve this—streamlining everything from data ingestion to AI-driven insights in just minutes. If you're tired of AI hype and want real answers, this episode is your blueprint for building smarter, faster, and more effective AI solutions.

Eric Herzog, CMO of Infinidat, joins The Gumbo to break down the modern enterprise storage landscape—from ransomware resilience and AI integration to CapEx vs. OpEx tradeoffs. From why CIOs still undervalue storage in cybersecurity strategies to the real-world consequences of ignoring performance and ransomware recovery, this conversation dives deep into the business and technical drivers reshaping modern infrastructure. With 1,600+ cyberattacks hitting enterprises weekly, Herzog explains why secure, performant, and hybrid-ready storage is essential—not optional.

Carl Peterson, CEO of Thunder Compute uncovers how Thunder Computer is redefining GPU utilization by enabling network-attached virtual GPUs—dramatically slashing costs and democratizing access. Carl shares the startup's Y Combinator origin story, the impact of DeepSeek, and how virtualization is transforming AI development for individuals and enterprises alike. We also unpack GPU security, job disruption from AI, and the accelerating arms race in model development. A must-listen for anyone navigating AI, compute efficiency, and data protection.

Telmo Silva, CEO of ClicData, uncovers the hidden truths about the next wave of data privacy regulations—including the EU Data Act, GDPR updates, and the new AI Act. Telmo shares how smaller SaaS companies can prepare without drowning in legal confusion, how AI is becoming a vital tool for compliance, and why simply knowing Python won’t future-proof your career. If you think you're ready for Data Privacy 2.0, think again—this conversation reveals what most experts aren’t warning you about.

Mark Cusack, CTO of Yellowbrick Data unpacks the evolving data protection landscape. We explore the shift from cloud-first to cloud-optimized strategies, the power of private LLMs, the resurgence of data sovereignty, and how hybrid cloud is shaping enterprise resilience. Mark breaks down the critical role of Kubernetes, data governance, and the growing need for secure, scalable analytics. Plus, tips for job seekers navigating the modern tech terrain.

Dr. Assaf Natanzon, VP and Chief Architect at Eon, joins host Demetrius to reveal how modern backups can go beyond storage and recovery to become a true source of insight. Hear how one company uncovered 20,000+ forgotten snapshots—and massive hidden costs—just by switching to Eon. Learn how AI-powered classification, policy-driven protection, and queryable backups are transforming backup data into a business asset, not just insurance. If your backup isn’t working for you, this episode shows you how it can.

Yameen Huq, Director of Cybersecurity Programs at the Aspen Institute explores the often-overlooked non-technical skills needed in cybersecurity, the evolving cyber policy landscape in Washington D.C., and the critical importance of aligning cyber investments with real-world business outcomes. From AI-enhanced policy development to economic-driven cyber resilience, this conversation challenges traditional thinking and underscores the role of strategic communication, finance, and cross-sector collaboration in the future of cybersecurity.

Loreta Tarozaite, CEO & Founder at Loreta Today breaks down the human side of cybersecurity leadership. We explore the fear of failure among CISOs, the power of executive presence, and how communication—not just technical skills—is the real driver of trust in the boardroom. Loreta shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, building relationships beyond the boardroom, and why storytelling and transparency are vital for leadership in high-pressure tech roles.

Sebastian Straub, Principal Solutions Architect at N2WS, explores DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act), emphasizing its stringent impact on financial institutions' cybersecurity. He highlights cloud-native backup strategies, cross-region and cross-account backups for disaster recovery, and the critical role of immutable backups against ransomware. Sebastian also underscores the importance of automation and compliance in cybersecurity, addressing AI's supportive role without replacing human creativity and expertise.

Govind Rangasamy, Head of Recovery Solutions and VP of Portfolio Marketing at Commvault (via Appranix acquisition), talks about the terrifying reality of ransomware, cyber threats, and the illusion of traditional data protection. With 38,000+ ransomware variants evolving daily, simply backing up data isn’t enough—you need to rebuild, not just recover. Enter Cloud Rewind, a game-changing approach that lets businesses rewind their cloud environments after an attack, restoring not just data, but entire systems in minutes. If you think cyber resilience is just another IT checkbox, think again—your business depends on it.

Gavin Griffiths, Managing Director and Pat Mayock, VP of Sales at Insurgo dives into the hidden risks of tape storage and destruction. They expose shocking real-world security breaches—like school fingerprint records almost being sold—and discuss why traditional shredding and degaussing aren’t enough. Insurgo’s groundbreaking tech ensures data is truly gone. Plus, hear why AI is making old tapes valuable again and why secure tape destruction is an exploding industry. Don't miss this deep dive into data security nightmares and solutions!

W. Curtis Preston, aka "Mr. Backup," reveals shocking insights from the world of data recovery. From a million-tape archive stored in a football-field-sized facility to the critical need for reading backup data without vendor lock-in, this conversation uncovers the hidden struggles of IT professionals. We dive into ransomware recovery, AI’s role in backup solutions, and why tape storage is making a surprising comeback. Plus, Curtis introduces Libertas, a free tool that could change the game for legacy data recovery.

Gleb Budman, CEO & co-founder of Backblaze, discusses the future of data storage, cloud cost optimization, and resilience against cyber threats. Gleb shares his journey of bootstrapping Backblaze, competing against AWS, and ultimately taking the company public. We explore rising storage costs, AI-driven data explosion, ransomware defense strategies, and the shift to Cloud 2.0. If you're serious about future-proofing your data, this episode is a must-listen!

Steven Umbehocker, CEO of OSNEXUS discusses how businesses can protect critical data with object storage, immutability, and AI-powered automation. He dives into cybersecurity strategies, the role of AI in long-term data retention, and why enterprises must rethink storage for modern workloads. Plus, a fascinating look at how NFL teams leverage data storage to analyze game-day decisions and optimize player performance.

Paul Graeve, CEO of The Data Group, discusses the hidden dangers of poor data management. We talk about why CEOs must take charge of their data strategy, how bad data can derail AI initiatives, and why fragmented data is silently draining company resources. Paul offers practical steps for leaders to regain control, unify their data, and turn it into a competitive advantage. Plus, an exclusive preview of his upcoming book, Data Driven Leader!

Jerome Wendt, CEO & Principal Analyst at DCIG, unpacks the latest trends in data protection. We dive into intermittent encryption, a stealthy new ransomware tactic, and how AI-driven anomaly detection is reshaping cybersecurity. Jerome also shares insights on VMware’s licensing shake-up, the rise of multi-hypervisor environments, and why backup solutions are now essential migration tools. Plus, we discuss career shifts in cybersecurity and cloud computing in an evolving job market. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of backup, recovery, and resilience!

Kate Cox, Business Development at Memcyco uncovers the alarming rise of digital impersonation attacks and the role AI plays in making scams more convincing than ever. We discuss how cybercriminals exploit AI to clone websites, steal data, and undermine consumer trust. Kate shares eye-opening statistics, real-world examples, and practical strategies to protect yourself and your organization from these growing threats. Whether you're a business owner, cybersecurity enthusiast, or everyday internet user, this episode is packed with actionable insights to keep you safe online in 2025.

Evan Powell, Founding CEO of DeepTempo, explores advancements in cybersecurity through the innovative use of Large Log Model (LogLM). He discusses the challenges of securing data amidst increasing cyber threats, the role of platforms like Snowflake in reducing data silos, and best practices for leveraging AI in threat detection. Powell emphasizes a defense-in-depth approach, collective learning, and actionable insights from tons of data points to identify and respond to novel attacks. The episode concludes with a call to explore DeepTempo's platform on Snowflake for enhanced security solutions.

Abhinav Srivastava, Founder and CEO of Breez Security delve into the rising importance of identity security in combating credential compromises and safeguarding cloud and SaaS platforms. Abhinav explains how to use behavioral identity telemetry and AI to enhance detection and response capabilities. The conversation explores persistent security challenges like phishing, credential stuffing, and the complexities of implementing least privilege principles. Abhinav underscores the need for a balanced approach across prevention, detection, and response, emphasizing real-time identity monitoring and anomaly detection.

James O'Sullivan, founder and CEO of Nuke from Orbit explore the hidden dangers of PIN usage and the risks posed when phones are stolen, emphasizing the underestimated security vulnerabilities in everyday mobile device usage. James shares the origin story of his company, born from a personal incident of phone theft, and details how Nuke from Orbit provides users with tools to swiftly and securely disable sensitive data across devices through a trusted network of contacts. The conversation highlights practical tips for improving PIN hygiene, the growing threat of shoulder surfing, and how AI and behavioral analytics are shaping cybersecurity. James also provides insights into the future of fintech security and shares valuable resources for staying informed in the evolving tech landscape.