The Rebekah Panepinto Project

In this episode, Manuel Martinez, a Technical Account Manager at AWS and the host of the Career Downloads podcast, opens up about his inspiring journey through the tech industry. From starting out as a help desk technician in a casino to eventually working with AWS, Manuel shares the twists and turns that shaped his career. He talks about the importance of solving business problems with technology and building authentic relationshi...

In this conversation, Kira Shishkin, CEO of informed.now, discusses his journey as a global citizen and the importance of providing quality news without the noise. He reflects on his experiences growing up in Ukraine, living in Israel, and moving to the United States, emphasizing the cultural richness of different regions. Kira also addresses the current state of news media, highlighting the shift towards sensationalism and the nee...

In this conversation, Richard Sides discusses the digital transformation in the food and beverage industry, focusing on the integration of technology, particularly within the Microsoft ecosystem and Shopify. He shares insights on brand loyalty, direct-to-consumer strategies, and case studies like Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Richard also explores future tech advancements, the intersection of music and leadership, and the guidi...

In this conversation, Rebekah Panepinto and Zach Goldberg discuss the innovative solutions Gruntwork is providing to address DevOps challenges, particularly through the use of Terragrunt. They explore the complexities of navigating different cloud service providers and the unique strategies Gruntwork is employing in the marketplace to establish itself as a leader in the industry. The discussion highlights the importance of open-sou...

In this conversation, Jim Harris discusses the rapid evolution of AI technology and its implications for various industries. He emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's potential to transform business operations, enhance productivity, and facilitate language translation. Jim also explores the concept of agentic AI, which personalizes user experiences, and highlights the necessity for continuous learning and adaptation in...

In this conversation, Rebekah Panepinto and David Vulcano discuss the intricate relationship between Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and the healthcare industry, particularly focusing on the drug development process, the challenges of clinical trials, and the role of AI in enhancing efficiencies. They explore the lengthy timelines involved in bringing new drugs to market, the importance of diversity in clinical trials, and t...

In this conversation, Brent Hagan discusses the innovative landscape of direct mail automation and its integration within the supply chain. He highlights the importance of direct mail in marketing, especially for Gen Z, and the need for compliance in mailing practices. Brent shares insights on campaign planning, the role of USPS partnerships, and the future of logistics in direct mail. He also touches on the impact of robotics in o...

In this conversation, Mark Zawodny discusses the integration of AI in healthcare, the challenges of caregiver recruitment and retention, and the importance of technology in enhancing patient experience. He shares insights on the buy vs. build debate for AI solutions, the future of aging tech, and his personal journey in healthcare IT. Mark also draws parallels between scuba diving and business principles, emphasizing the need for b...

In this conversation, Rebekah Panepinto interviews Sebastian West, who shares insights into the 3PL industry and the unique services offered by WSI. They discuss the evolution of WSI from a warehousing company to a comprehensive logistics provider, emphasizing the importance of safety, technology, and customer experience. Sebastian highlights the challenges of e-commerce fulfillment, the role of autonomous vehicles in the future of...

In this conversation, Tim Currie shares his extensive career journey in high-growth consulting firms, focusing on organizational change and the concept of 'Swift Trust' in remote work environments. He discusses the balance between service and product offerings in consulting, the unique value proposition of his current company, Nova, and the importance of building trust in virtual teams. Tim emphasizes the need for leaders to adapt ...

In this conversation, Rebekah Panepinto and Michelle Pacynski explore the latest trends and innovations in the beauty industry, including the impact of AI, robotics, and personalization. They discuss the importance of customer loyalty, clean ingredients, and the role of influencers in shaping consumer decisions. Michelle shares insights from her experience at Ulta and as a startup advisor, highlighting emerging companies and the fu...

In this conversation, Rebekah Panepinto interviews Shawn Harrs, who shares his journey from Disney to Red Lobster, emphasizing the importance of customer experience, teamwork, and creating memorable brand interactions. Shawn discusses the significance of the 'red carpet experience' at Red Lobster, employee engagement strategies, and the five C's of a high-performing IT team. He also draws parallels between leadership lessons learne...

In this conversation, Cydni Tetro shares her journey in technology, her experiences at Disney, and her commitment to empowering women in tech. She discusses the balance between innovation and tradition, the importance of empathy in business, and the evolving landscape of customer experience post-COVID. Cydni emphasizes the need for IT organizations to transform their branding and approach to become drivers of innovation rather than...

In this conversation, Chris Meyerpeter shares insights into the agriculture industry, emphasizing the importance of technology, partnerships, and leadership in ensuring a sustainable food supply. He discusses the journey from farm to table, the role of augmented reality in agriculture, and the significance of data-driven decision-making in leadership.

Takeaways

• Technology and science are crucial in food production.
• Farmers face si...

In this conversation, Doug Saunders shares insights into the unique ice industry, discussing his journey to Arctic Glacier and the innovative strategies implemented to optimize operations. He emphasizes the importance of technology, data analytics, and partnerships in enhancing efficiency and customer service. Doug also highlights the impact of weather and events on sales, the role of private equity in shaping business strategy, an...

In this conversation, Justin Swagler from AWS discusses the evolving landscape of physical retail, emphasizing the importance of customer experience, technology integration, and data-driven strategies. He highlights innovations such as Amazon One technology and the role of computer vision in enhancing retail operations. The discussion also covers the significance of workforce optimization and the challenges retailers face in managi...

In this conversation, Rebekah Panepinto and Michael Campbell discuss the evolution of AWS and cloud technology, the shift in business engagement with IT, and the importance of partnerships in sales. They explore the challenges of cloud migration, the dynamics of sales leadership, and share memorable experiences from transformative deals. Michael emphasizes the need for trust, collaboration, and a strong work ethic in achieving succ...

What happens when cutting-edge tech meets the heart of hospitality? In this episode of The Rebekah Panepinto Project, Rebekah reconnects with longtime friend and industry leader James Rogers, COO of Prosper Company, for an inspiring conversation about the future of foodservice and hospitality.

They explore how Prosper is empowering the next generation of industry changemakers through initiatives like the Prosper Forum, a signature l...