Today we fulfill Laura's Christmas wish and transform the pod into That Murder Pod™ as Laura and Kevin dive into the fascinating intersection of true crime and technology with guest and good sport, Paul Ruppert. Together, they explore how advancements in tech might have helped solve or even prevent some infamous murder cases. Laura walks Kevin and Paul through three chilling real-life cases: the tragic Brenda Spencer school shooting that inspired The Boomtown Rats' hit song "I Don't Like Mondays", the horrifying family murders involving Jasmine Richardson and her boyfriend, and the mysterious disappearance and murder of Girly Chew Hossencofft. As we examine each case, we discuss the roles that tech, from early internet monitoring to forensic advancements and surveillance, could play in uncovering clues and preventing such crimes. Whether you're a true crime enthusiast or a tech aficionado, this episode is sure to get you thinking about the powerful role technology can play in solving crimes.

Paul Ruppert, the CEO of Global Point View is a veteran CPaaS and mobile services executive, strategy consultant and holder of 2 tech patents enabling global text messaging, with career experience in both the private and public sectors applying a range of multidisciplinary skills exercised at the highest levels of both arenas–from corporate boardrooms to the White House. He has generated over $400M in direct sales, is a skilled cross border negotiator, technology innovator and strategic partnership driver with two decades leading global commercial, product, marketing teams and M&A deals in B2B SaaS sales.

Prior to entering the private sector, with a Harvard masters graduate degree Paul
served over a decade in policy and political roles as an legislative assistant to a US
Senator, economic development advisor to a cabinet Secretary, a technology
industry lobbyist and White House staffer. His private sector achievements are exceptional including scaling startups from $0 to $Billion valuations, forging global strategic partnerships, doing business in 80 countries, working with private equity and $B enterprises managing $130M business P&Ls, and managing cross border, cross cultural teams of teams having lived in the US, France and China.

Paul leads Global Point View Ltd, a strategy consulting firm providing insights to technology companies seeking guidance on focus, strategies and plans via scaling, partnerships and acquisitions. His international clients have included Facebook, MasterCard, Western Union, Liveperson, Infobip, private equity and venture firms looking to leverage mobile services in their digital plans for conversational commerce.

This episode contains discussions about murder, suicide, and violent crimes that may be distressing to some listeners. Please listen with care and prioritize your well-being.

Today Kevin and Laura dive into the world of eDiscovery with Bryant Gauthier and Chris Purdy from Celerity Discovery, a division of Celerity that helps government agencies, law firms, and corporations navigate complex litigation. Bryant and Chris discuss what sets Celerity apart, from their expertise in investigations and expert witness services to their new Multi-Language Litigation Service. They share how AI is reshaping billing models and streamlining the discovery process, discuss career highlights, and offer advice for those entering litigation consulting. Plus, hear how Chris’s journey took him from owning a bar to becoming a trusted courtroom expert. Bryant and Chris bring years of experience crafting solutions across the EDRM. Bryant also discusses their upcoming webinar, How to Leverage Your Internal eDiscovery Program to Optimize Results. Listen for insights into the future of eDiscovery and the innovative work happening at Celerity.

Bryant Gauthier, the Vice President of Celerity Discovery, is a trusted advisor to law firms and in-house counsel. His expertise lies in identifying cost-saving measures for data identification, eDiscovery, data analysis, data mapping, information governance, privacy, and legal operations. He has a wealth of experience in serving clients in complex litigations and investigations, including regulatory investigations with agencies such as the SEC, DOJ, and CFPB and with congressional inquiries. Prior to his role at Celerity, Bryant held key positions at Huron Consulting, Skadden Arps, Buckley Sandler, Finnegan Henderson, and Xerox. Bryant has led matters spanning the EDRM, handling cases in North America, Asia, and Europe. He focuses on innovative solutions that reduce fees, time spent, and risk fees throughout the discovery process. He has supported Law Firm and In-House Legal teams in litigation, internal investigation, and government inquiries involving a variety of industries.

Chris Purdy, the Vice President of Litigation Services, has nearly three decades of experience in the litigation consulting arena, and leads Celerity’s Data and Damages Analysis practice. He has managed all aspects of the firm’s most complex and high-profile data analysis engagements, including data collection, database development, authoring of Expert and 1006 Summary Witness Reports, and submission of written and live testimony. In the data collection and database development phases, Chris develops and implements strategies to ensure gapless data collections, identifies critical relations between multiple tables and databases, and validates and ensures the integrity of all relevant data fields. In support of case strategy and in development of Expert Reports, Chris works with his clients to identify key case issues and the data sets that speak to those issues, and develops compelling and robust analyses and exhibits based upon that data.
In addition to his work related to Data and Damages Analysis, Chris has decades of experience in developing discovery strategies and in managing collections, data processing, review, and productions. Prior to joining Celerity, Chris was a co-founder of Certus Consulting Group, a litigation consulting firm, and a Project Manager at ZIA Information Analysis Group.

Celerity Discovery provides advanced eDiscovery, data analysis, expert witness and incident response services to clients seeking to optimize complex matter results. Blending extensive experience managing matters across all phases of the EDRM, Celerity Discovery services help clients convert raw data into clean intelligence to optimize cases and mitigate risk. With deep roots in complex data analysis, Celerity Discovery legal services practitioners are proven experts in providing clients with advanced solutions from forensics to final production, expert testimony and beyond.

Today Laura and Kevin sit down with Kevin Korte, an accomplished IT Innovation and Growth Strategist, entrepreneur, and startup investor, to explore how organizations can transform IT from a hindrance into a strategic asset. Kevin shares his expertise in leading-edge cybersecurity practices, emphasizing the critical importance of balancing robust security with user convenience through technologies like Single Sign-On, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and open-source identity management systems. Kevin discusses the power of standardized digital identity management for organizations of all sizes, from small teams to global enterprises with millions of users. We also talk about also emerging trends in cybersecurity and digital identities, providing actionable advice for businesses to stay ahead of evolving threats. Kevin also opens up about his journey from Germany to Seattle and adapting to new cultures. This conversation offers a wealth of insights on cybersecurity, leadership, and innovation.

Kevin Dominik Korte dedicates himself to inspiring people to take control of their time, data, & dreams in IT, Business, & Life. He is an accomplished, entrepreneurial Non-Executive Director and IT Innovation & Growth Strategist. His focus is to help companies adopt leading-edge cybersecurity practices and turn IT from a hindrance into an asset for every organization. A German native, Kevin moved to Seattle in 2013 to take over the role of President of Univention North America. He is responsible for the US team and helps clients use open-source identity management systems. As a startup investor, Kevin focuses on Tech and FinTech. His exceptional stakeholder management skills nurture strong relationships with high-profile industry players and key partners. Outside of work, Kevin serves as Treasurer to the Jacobs University Bremen Foundation of America, which is part of the endowment of his Alma Mater.

Univention provides standardized identity management systems for organizations from 5 people to 5 million. Kevin's team provides Sales, Support, and Professional Services.

Today, Laura and Kevin talk with Mike Paciello, a trailblazer in the field of digital accessibility and usability. As the Chief Accessibility Officer at AudioEye, Mike shares his journey, from his early motivation to focus on accessibility to authoring the first book on web accessibility, Web Accessibility for People with Disabilities. We discuss Mike's role in the creation of the Web Accessibility Initiative, challenges companies face in prioritizing accessibility, and how AI is shaping the future of inclusive technology. Mike also sheds light on gaps in the accessibility market, and ethical considerations for emerging technologies. Finally, he dispels misconceptions about accessibility and offers his vision for a more inclusive digital world. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, accessibility advocate, or curious about the intersection of technology and inclusivity, this episode is a must-listen.

Mike Paciello is the Chief Accessibility Officer at AudioEye, Inc., a digital accessibility company. Prior to joining AudioEye, Mike founded WebABLE, which delivers news about the disability and accessibility technology market. Mike authored the first book on web accessibility and usability, “Web Accessibility for People with Disabilities” and, in 1997, Mr. Paciello received recognition from President Bill Clinton for his work in the creation of World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Accessibility Initiative. He has served as an advisor to the US Access Board and other federal agencies since 1992. Mike has served as an international leader, technologist, and authority in emerging technology, accessibility, usability, and electronic publishing. Mike is the former Founder of The Paciello Group, a world-renowned software accessibility consultancy acquired in 2017 by Vispero.

Today Kevin and Laura chat with Derek Ferguson on the future of software engineering in the age of AI. We discuss how Derek is leveraging AI to enhance coding without reducing developer opportunities. Derek speaks on the role of software engineers evolving and which skills will become obsolete. Derek gives advice for aspiring software engineers. We also talk about AI-generated code quality and the right amount of oversight human developers need to have when dealing with AI-assisted coding. We hear about low code and no-code and AI platforms becoming more prevalent and the impact on the job market. Derek gives his thoughts on AI displacing certain roles within software engineering and how developers prepare for these changes in 2024 and beyond. Lastly Derek tells a funny story from a major tech event speech he gave and what he enjoys most about teaching others.

Derek Ferguson is the Chief Software Officer at Fitch, where he leads the development of software used by investors to identify opportunities and quantify risk. Fitch’s products have won 27 awards — and counting — in the last two years alone. Outside of software creation, Derek is the author of the bestselling Broadband Internet Access for Dummies, an expert in masterclasses hosted by GOTO Chicago, and a speaker at prestigious events — from JavaOne to TechEd and beyond

Today Laura and Kevin speak with Mr. Backup himself, W. Curtis Preston. We talk about the biggest opportunities for innovation in legal tech. We hear Curtis' thoughts on AI redefining roles within legal teams. We discuss the biggest technical and logistical obstacles to satisfying an eDiscovery request when it comes to handling backup data. Curtis walks us through why backups present unique challenges in eDiscovery compared to other types of data sources. We also hear Laura and Curtis' thoughts on the PT Cruiser and so much more!

W. Curtis Preston is a Legal Tech Evangelist specializing in eDiscovery and Forensic Acquisition. Curtis possesses a unique combination of legal and technical expertise and has been an expert witness on multiple lawsuits, consulting and being deposed on multi-million-dollar matters that included intellectual property, patents, and insurance. He has even been a pro se litigant in three cases – and prevailed in each case. He has brought his expertise to S2|Data, a legacy data and discovery solution aiding Fortune 500 legal teams, AMLAW 100 Law Firms & Sole Practitioners in computer forensics and eDiscovery.

Today Laura and Kevin chat with Tom Hurd the CEO & Co-Founder of Zeki Data. Tom first details his time overseeing intelligence and law enforcement operations serving as the senior Homeland Security Advisor to four British Home Secretaries. We learn about the importance of practicing your cybersecurity procedures. Tom talks about what really goes on in a cyber crime lab and dispels some of the myths around James Bond and MI6. We hear about his team's efforts to locate the COVID virus (and Laura's possible direct involvement 😬) and tracking the virus in the same way you can track cocaine. Tom gets into building big data projects around human excellence and finding people who "break the pattern." We learn about "Moneyball for Scientists and Engineers," and how Zeki Data uses AI to find the best talent. Finally Laura does a health check on Tom. This is a really interesting and entertaining episode!

Tom Hurd, the CEO and Co-Founder of Zeki Data, served as the senior Homeland Security Advisor to four British Home Secretaries, leading efforts against state Tom Hurd Horizontal threats, cybercrime, and terrorism, and overseeing intelligence and law enforcement operations. He played a key role in producing the Prime Minister’s Daily Intelligence Brief and was part of the UK’s Joint Intelligence Committee. Tom advocated for using science and technology to enhance operations, leading to his establishment of the UK’s Joint Biosecurity Centre to improve the accuracy of COVID-19 outbreak detection. He was honoured with an OBE in 2011 and a CB in 2020 for his contributions to national security. Tom has transitioned from government intelligence to co-founding a talent intelligence start-up.

At Zeki Data, they specialize in pinpointing the most advanced and innovative minds in science and engineering—individuals who are not just pushing the boundaries but are redefining them. These top deep tech innovators are driven to create groundbreaking solutions, refusing to settle for the status quo. Their sophisticated time series data empowers us to develop a comprehensive view of an individual’s record of innovation and accomplishments, allowing Zeki to accurately forecast their future potential. To identify this elite talent, Zeki meticulously crafted a dataset encompassing 10 million individuals employed at over 40,000 companies across 94 countries, spanning over a decade.

Today Laura and Kevin speak with Cybersecurity Expert Craig Petronella and founder of the Petronella Technology Group. They speak about cybersecurity and disaster recovery after events such as Milton and Helene and how you should test your cyber practice with table-top exercises. Craig shares some scary ransomware stories. He also gives tips on how to get into cybersecurity in 2024. We get into some of the overlooked compliance risks and new regulations. Craig is a true expert!

Craig and the Petronella Technology Group have helped 5,000+ businesses stay safe from network attacks and fully comply with their industries' regulations, including CMMC and NIST for defense industrial base contractors, HIPAA and HITECH for medical practices, GLBA for banking and finance, FTC compliance, Sarbanes Oxley and more. Craig is also the author of 8 cybersecurity and compliance books, including the Amazon #1 bestseller How HIPAA Can Crush Your Medical Practice.

With 30+ years of experience, Craig is well-known and highly regarded in the U.S. cybersecurity industry. He has served as a compliance consultant and conducted onsite risk assessments for over 500 medical practices, hospitals, and business associates, across the country, protecting them from hackers halfway around the world in places like Ukraine, Russia, and China. Craig holds MIT certifications in AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, and compliance.