
S3E32 - Mari Shankar, CTO of Telarus
04/12/2025 | 28 mins.
On this episode of Keeping IT Real, Jethro Castillo is joined by Mari Shankar, the CTO at Telarus. They discuss the challenges of data management, the importance of clean and reliable data for the success of technological innovations, and the role of AI in transforming tech projects.You can find Mari Shankar here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marishankar/To learn more about vCom and our IT spend and lifecycle management solutions visit https://vcomsolutions.com.LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/vcom-solutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/vComSolutionsInstagram: https://instagram.com/vcomsolutionsFacebook: https://facebook.com/vcomsolutionsPodcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/vcomsolutions

S3E31 - Nayan Patel, SVP of Transformation and Technology
05/8/2025 | 30 mins.
On this episode of Keeping IT Real, Jethro Castillo is joined by Nayan Patel, the Senior Vice President of Transformation and Technology at FinThrive and former hospital CIO. Nayan shares his journey into IT, starting from a high school car audio project, to obtaining a Master's in Electrical Engineering, and eventually an MBA to pivot towards a business-oriented approach. They discuss the importance of continuous learning, adaptation to rapid technological changes, and effective communication in complex IT environments. Nayan emphasizes the value of reading, application rationalization, and leveraging AI for future advancements in IT management.You can find Nayan Patel here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayandpatel/To learn more about vCom and our IT spend and lifecycle management solutions visit https://vcomsolutions.com.LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/vcom-solutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/vComSolutionsInstagram: https://instagram.com/vcomsolutionsFacebook: https://facebook.com/vcomsolutionsPodcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/vcomsolutions

S3E30 - Murali Rajagopalan, Senior IT Director
22/7/2025 | 33 mins.
On this episode of Keeping IT Real, Jethro Castillo is joined by Murali Rajagopalan a Senior IT Director. Murali shares his lifelong journey in IT, starting from reading tech books inspired by his father, to pursuing a PhD driven by the resurgence of AI. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, curiosity, and collaboration in both business and personal growth. He also discusses the integration of business needs with technology, his teaching philosophy, and the significance of maintaining an open mindset. Murali's insights offer valuable lessons for IT professionals and leaders aiming to navigate and thrive in the fast-evolving tech landscape.You can find Murali Rajagopalan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/murali-r-2963724/To learn more about vCom and our IT spend and lifecycle management solutions visit https://vcomsolutions.com.LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/vcom-solutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/vComSolutionsInstagram: https://instagram.com/vcomsolutionsFacebook: https://facebook.com/vcomsolutionsPodcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/vcomsolutions

S3E29 - Duane Massie, Executive Vice President of Information Technology
08/7/2025 | 35 mins.
On this episode of Keeping IT Real, Jethro Castillo is joined by Duane Massie, Executive Vice President of Information Technology, CIO, and CISO. With a career spanning from the early days of AOL to modern IT strategies, Duane shares his unique journey, emphasizing the importance of bridging tech and business. He discusses the challenges of acquisitions, change management, the evolution of tech infrastructure, and the critical role of data-driven decision-making in modernizing operations. Duane also offers insights on prioritizing IT initiatives, fostering innovation, and preparing for the future of technology.You can find Duane Massie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duane-massie-8407976/To learn more about vCom and our IT spend and lifecycle management solutions visit https://vcomsolutions.com.LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/vcom-solutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/vComSolutionsInstagram: https://instagram.com/vcomsolutionsFacebook: https://facebook.com/vcomsolutionsPodcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/vcomsolutions

S3E28 - Taruna Rai, VP of IT at Articulate
24/6/2025 | 36 mins.
On this episode of Keeping IT Real, Jethro Castillo is joined by Taruna Rai, a VP of IT. Taruna discusses her non-traditional path into IT, emphasizing her passion for connecting technology to business outcomes. She sheds light on the evolving role of IT from being an order taker to a strategic business partner, and the importance of maintaining a growth mindset in a fast-paced industry. Taruna also touches on the significance of building credibility within teams and leveraging IT's unique end-to-end perspective for organizational success.You can find Taruna Rai here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarunarai/To learn more about vCom and our IT spend and lifecycle management solutions visit https://vcomsolutions.com.LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/vcom-solutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/vComSolutionsInstagram: https://instagram.com/vcomsolutionsFacebook: https://facebook.com/vcomsolutionsPodcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/vcomsolutions



Keeping IT Real | Technology | Business