Today Laura and Kevin dive into a fascinating discussion on the world of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) with Nick Foy, the Founder and CEO of Silverdale Technology who shares his unique perspective on making ERP solutions accessible for businesses of all sizes.

First though Laura and Kevin kick things off with a lighthearted chat about Laura's new Walk Car. Then, Nick explains why ERP systems, often overlooked until they’re slow or malfunctioning, are critical for businesses. He emphasizes their power in providing quick access to financial and operational insights, enabling better decision-making. For small-to-medium-sized businesses, he advocates for leveraging out-of-the-box ERP solutions and partnering with experienced implementation experts to avoid common pitfalls like over-customization and poor setup. The conversation shifts to leadership, where Nick reflects on how his time at Amazon shaped his philosophy. He shares his approach to creating scalable, tenant-based processes inspired by the tech giant. On a lighter note, Nick, a whisky enthusiast, draws parallels between crafting fine whisky and great ERP solutions, both requiring a long-term vision. He reveals his favorite whisky—Glenmorangie—and touches on his roots in Scotland and journey to the U.S., where he’s continued to innovate and inspire in the tech and business space. Give this a listen! You will leave with actionable insights into ERP implementation, process optimization, and leadership, as well as a deeper understanding of Nick’s passion for democratizing technology.

Nick Foy is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Evangelist of Silverdale Technology, which provides access to world-class processes, systems, and change management methods regardless of their size or budget. Going against the grain of the ERP industry, Nick and his team are 'democratizing ERP' with their unique perspectives, such as their standard business process library, fixed price implementation and money-back guarantees.

Nick is well placed to do so, with over 30-years of experience in business and technology consulting and leadership positions, particularly in logistics and supply chain, at Amazon, Capgemini Consulting, ModusLink Corporation, 3663 First for Foodservice, and The Glenmorangie Distillery Company. Born in Scotland and currently living in rural Washington, USA, Nick is a frequent traveler, having made it all around the US, Europe, and Asia for work. Still, he also spares time for his interests, such as being an aspiring guitar player, whisky sampling as a hobby, and being an early adopter and owner of a large tech graveyard of discarded first editions.

Today Kevin and Laura chat with John Martin, CEO of RedFile Technologies, and Chris LaCour, founder of Ingenious Dataworks about the fascinating intersection of eDiscovery, AI, and cybersecurity. Starting with their unique backgrounds, we explore eDiscovery’s obsession with AI and uncover where the industry may have gone astray.

John argues that the problem lies in the “A” of AI—highlighting the limitations of artificial intelligence and its inability to fully understand context. He explains RedFile’s game-changing 3DI approach, developed over 17 years, which combines graphical, content, and attribute analysis with emotional tone detection to provide a more nuanced and accurate picture. Chris critiques the industry's reliance on buzzwords and inefficient human-in-the-loop processes while advocating for practical solutions like 3DI that are cost-effective and CPU-driven. The discussion shifts to cybersecurity, with a thought-provoking analysis of why the industry focuses on tracking people ("the who") rather than protecting data ("the what"). John and Chris reveal how disorganized data can lead to massive vulnerabilities, and argue for better data classification and privacy-first strategies to address these issues. We discuss whether the eDiscovery and cybersecurity industries can level the playing field for smaller companies or if a divide between the "CPU vs. GPU" approaches will leave less-resourced organizations behind. With sharp insights, humorous anecdotes, and practical advice, this episode offers a fresh perspective on innovation, the pitfalls of AI hype, and how businesses can chart a better path forward in a data-driven world.

John Martin, CEO of RedFile Technologies, Inc., and a U.S. Army veteran, brings over three decades of experience in data science and technological innovation to his leadership role. His extensive expertise in developing advanced data processing technologies has been pivotal in the creation and continuous refinement of the innovative 3DI platform. Under his visionary leadership, RedFile is not merely navigating but actively shaping the future of document processing and data analysis. Guided by John's direction, RedFile has revolutionized document and image processing with its state- of-the-art 3-Dimensional Inference (3DI) technology. This breakthrough replaces the traditional, labor- intensive "stare and compare" methods with automated, headless systems that significantly enhance efficiency and accuracy across various industries. A committed advocate for innovation, John also places a strong emphasis on customer success and regulatory compliance. His leadership ensures that RedFile not only leads in technology but also empowers businesses to harness data-driven insights for informed decision-making, fundamentally transforming their operational and strategic landscapes.

Chris LaCour is a serial entrepreneur with a proven track record of founding and scaling multiple successful businesses across diverse industries. Renowned for a sharp ability to spot market opportunities, drive innovation, and accelerate growth, Chris has consistently built companies that make a lasting impact.

Most recently, Chris launched Ingenious Dataworks, a company dedicated to solving critical data management challenges for businesses. With a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding data in today’s digital landscape, Chris’ latest venture leverages cutting-edge 3DI technology to streamline data operations, improve accessibility, and enable organizations to make more informed, data-driven decisions. Passionate about delivering tangible value through innovative solutions, Chris is committed to helping businesses unlock the full potential of their data, empowering them to remain competitive and agile in an increasingly data-centric world.

In this bonus episode of That Tech Pod, Laura and Kevin dig into the high-stakes controversy surrounding TikTok, the immensely popular short-form video app owned by ByteDance. With over 170 million users in the U.S. and significant cultural and economic influence, TikTok now faces an uncertain future due to national security and data privacy concerns. As the Supreme Court debates whether to uphold a law requiring ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban, this episode unpacks the legal, political, and social implications of the decision.

We explore the critical arguments both for and against a TikTok ban, from potential risks of data misuse and propaganda to concerns about free speech, economic disruption, and setting a global precedent for censorship. The episode also highlights the app’s impact on small businesses, creators, and the U.S. economy, contributing billions annually and supporting millions of jobs.

For a unique perspective from an actual TikTok user, Kevin's 12-year-old daughter Evelyn joins as a guest, offering insight into why TikTok resonates with Gen Alpha. Evelyn discusses her experiences with the platform, how it shapes her creativity and social connections, and what a potential ban might mean for teens like her. The conversation sheds light on generational differences in attitudes toward technology, privacy, and digital culture. Laura also loops in her niece to get the 14 year old’s perspective.

As the Supreme Court’s decision looms and Donald Trump prepares to take office, Laura and Kevin discuss the possible outcomes, including a TikTok divestment, acquisition by figures like Elon Musk, or a complete ban. They also explore how these developments could reshape the digital landscape in the U.S., including the rise of alternative platforms like RedNote and the broader implications for tech sovereignty, mental health, and teen culture. Tune in to this bonus episode to understand the stakes of TikTok’s trial and its ripple effects across technology, society, and politics.