Tech Aunties: Reflecting on 2025 and Predictions for 2026

Season 4, Episode 1

The Tech Aunties are back! Marian and Gina discuss their experiences in 2025, including challenges in the job market and governance issues in tech.

They share their plans for 2026, such as creating a zine on AI and prioritizing community engagement. They delve into the complexities and misconceptions around AI, emphasizing the need for governance and the significant impact of AI on jobs and business processes.

They close with their predictions for 2026, including the rise of community as a trusted source of information and the importance of proving trust in AI.

Do you want to chat with the Tech Aunties? You can find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. We'd love to talk with you!

00:00 Welcome Back: Tech Aunties 2026

01:20 Reflecting on 2025: Challenges and Triumphs

03:10 AI in 2026: Plans and Predictions

05:26 AI Misconceptions and Realities

14:45 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Governance

19:40 Tech Aunties' AI Project

20:58 Setting Up AI Infrastructure

21:41 Security Concerns in AI Deployment

22:47 Legacy Systems and AI Integration

24:48 Trust and Governance in AI

27:42 Predictions for AI in 2026

28:27 AI in Community and Trust

32:38 AI Boyfriends and Ethical Concerns

33:32 New Year Resolutions and Community Support

37:12 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techauntiespodcast/

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We're back!

In this episode of the Tech Aunties podcast, co-host Gina Rosenthal brings you exclusive insights from the VMware Explore 2024 conference. We dive into VMware's dramatic transformation following its recent acquisition, exploring the impact on its community, evolving company culture, and shifting customer dynamics. Discover how VMware has transitioned from a vibrant, dynamic environment to a quieter atmosphere — and what this means for employee morale, customer loyalty, and future events and conferences.We also examine the broader impact on VMware's competitive position in the tech industry, revealing key takeaways for other companies facing similar challenges. We also discuss VMware's leadership strategies for navigating this transition, strategy, and balancing legacy values with innovation.Join us for a deep dive into the highlights from VMware Explore 2024, featuring insights from key stakeholders, and learn how VMware is forging a path forward in this new era. Take advantage of this must-listen episode for anyone interested in tech industry shifts, corporate culture, and leadership during times of change!

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This episode of the Tech Aunties Podcast was recorded at the SHARE conference in Kansas City. SHARE is the oldest enterprise user group in the world, and it allowed Gina and Marian a chance to dive into the world of mainframes. Marian realized there is hope for the mainframe because mainframes are a big part of modern infrastructure. The Aunties talked about the need to teach younger techies how to program in Assemble and COBOL—yeah, that programming language created by Grace Hopper.

They even toss around a marketing idea featuring none other than Megan Thee Stallion as the face of COBOL, thanks to the hilarious connection between her tunes and the COBOL requirement of ending statements with a period. What better way to attract young people to the world of mainframes?

The conversation takes a turn to highlight the upcoming SHARE conference in Washington, D.C., which is celebrating its 70th anniversary as a user group in the Enterprise space. Mainframes are a fantastic opportunity for anyone, especially those impacted by layoffs, to explore the mainframe field and tap into a treasure trove of educational resources offered by SHARE.

And hey, don’t forget! The hosts really want to connect with you on social media for all the latest content and updates. Tune in, and let’s keep the conversation going!

In this episode of Tech Aunties, we sit down with the remarkable Andrea Kalmans, a pioneering investor and entrepreneur based in Austin. Andrea takes us on a journey from her corporate past to her present as an influential 'auntie' investor, sharing candid insights on navigating the male-dominated VC landscape. She delves into the rapid evolution of AI technology, making a compelling case for its transformative power akin to the personal computer and internet revolutions. Andrea's current investment interests are at the forefront of innovation, focusing on enterprise security, social impact, and space manufacturing. Join us as she discusses the importance of keeping Austin affordable for essential workers and her inspiring future goals of impactful investing through public-private partnerships. Andrea's story is a testament to the power of authenticity and determination in the investment world.

In this episode of the Tech Aunties podcast, join us for an insightful discussion with Jamie Dean, founder of MarketDean LLC, as we explore the transformative power of AI in modern marketing.

Discover how to harness AI's potential to streamline your strategies, personalize customer experiences, and drive growth, all while upholding ethical standards and maintaining genuine human connections. We'll delve into navigating ethical considerations, maximizing AI's effectiveness, and preserving the human touch in your campaigns.

Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting, tune in to learn how to create impactful, ethical, and empathetic campaigns that resonate with your audience and drive meaningful results. Hit play now and start shaping the future of your marketing today!

o Jaime Dean LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieldean/

o Market Dean LI Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketdeanllc/

o Website: http://www.marketdean.biz

Is AI in healthcare all hype, or can it truly shine a light on better patient care? In this episode of The Tech Aunties Podcast, we cut through the buzzwords with Ganesh Padmanabhan, founder of Autonomize AI and an SXSW 2024 Pitch Finalist. Ganesh helps us see how AI offers real solutions in healthcare, not just promises. We will explore how it eases burdens like prior authorizations and gives clinicians more time for what matters most.

Ready to see AI's true potential in healthcare? Do not miss this eye-opening conversation with Ganesh Padmanabhan on Tech Aunties! Learn how it is moving beyond the buzzwords to improve patient outcomes genuinely. Subscribe, listen, and share your thoughts using #TheTechAuntiesPodcast. Key Takeaways: • AI in Action: Discover how Autonomize AI streamlines prior authorizations, freeing up clinicians' time to focus on what matters most: patient care. • Democratizing Innovation: Ganesh discusses how advancements in AI are making it easier than ever for entrepreneurs to create powerful healthcare technology solutions. • Human + AI = Better Outcomes: Learn why human-machine collaboration is the key to ethical, high-quality healthcare powered by AI. • The Future is Bright: Get Ganesh's insights into how AI will continue to reshape healthcare, empowering providers with holistic patient insights for exceptional care. Social Links: o Ganesh Padmanabhan LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/padmanabhan/ o Autonomize AI Company LI Page: linkedin.com/company/autonomizeai o X: https://twitter.com/autonomizeAI o Website: Autonomize.ai o The Tech Aunties Podcast LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-tech-aunties-podcast o The Tech Aunties Podcast YouTube: TechAuntiesPodcast o Gina Rosenthal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gminks/ o Digital Sunshine Solutions: https://digitalsunshinesolutions.com/ o Marian Newsome: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannewsome/

Is AI pure hype? Or will it truly create a brighter digital future? In this episode, recorded live at SXSW, data privacy architect Swati Popuri sheds light on AI's incredible potential and unintended consequences. Swati provides expert insights on navigating AI's impact, from its power to streamline our lives to the risks of deepfakes and bias. Don't miss the lively Q&A!

Don’t miss the Tech Aunties Podcast – Subscribe now to stay updated on all things related to technology, responsible AI, and product marketing. Expert insights like those from Swati Popuri will help guide you through the constantly evolving world of technology and its impact on our lives. Follow Swati Popuri on LinkedIn for more valuable information and connect with The Tech Aunties Podcast Key Takeaways: Practical insights that will empower you: AI's Double-Edged Sword: AI can revolutionize our lives, but awareness of its unintended consequences is vital. The Bias Factor: Training datasets used in AI can harbor existing prejudices. Swati Popuri shares how to critically evaluate AI models for fairness, echoing insights from Arvind Narayanan's work. Deepfakes: Fact vs. Fiction? Swati discusses the dangers of AI-powered deepfakes and misinformation, highlighting concerns raised by Dr. Joy Buolamwini in "Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines." Navigating the Information Deluge: In the age of AI-generated information, Swati reminds us of Nobel Prize winner Herbert Simon's wise words: carefully discern the information we consume. Social Links: o Swati Popuri LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swatipopuri/ o The Tech Aunties Podcast LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-tech-aunties-podcast o The Tech Aunties Podcast YouTube: @TheTechAunties o Gina Rosenthal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gminks/ o Digital Sunshine Solutions: https://digitalsunshinesolutions.com/ o Marian Newsome: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannewsome/ o Ethical Tech Matters: https://ethicaltechmatters.com/