This week we're joined by Bryan Robertson, Moser's Senior Recruiter.

He's here to discuss a hot-button issue in the job market—Artificial Intelligence and the job search. AI tools are everywhere now: people use them to write resumes, polish cover letters, and even prepare for interviews. But while AI can be a helpful tool, it can actually hurt your chances of landing the job if used incorrectly or irresponsibly. We’ll talk about some of the biggest mistakes candidates make when relying on AI, and how to strike the right balance between technology and authenticity.

This episode focuses on the evolution of phishing and how it has transformed itself into deepfakes and sophisticated, emotionally engineered attacks.  Moser's Hersey Richardson is joining us again to discuss how it's changing, why it's harder to detect, and what you can do to stay ahead. 

We've come a long way from the days of clumsy emails promising lottery winnings. Today's phishing is a sophisticated cyber threat powered by AI, deepfakes, and psychological manipulation. Attackers now use realistic voice clones, AI-generated emails, and even video deepfakes to impersonate trusted individuals or leaders. What once relied on poor grammar and broken links now leverages emotional triggers, urgency, and hyper-personalization to exploit human behavior.

#moserconsulting
#technology 
#phishing 
#emotionalengineering
#informationtechnology 
#cybersecurity

Malinda Lowder, Moser's Director of Sales and Marketing is joining us today to talk about the role of thought leadership in business and why it matters.  

In 2009, a relatively unknown speaker took the stage at a TEDx event in Puget Sound. His idea? That people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it. 

That speaker was Simon Sinek—and within a few short years, his 'Start With Why' framework became a north star for leaders across industries. Not because he shouted the loudest, but because he offered something timeless in a way people hadn’t heard before. 

Thought leadership isn’t about being a know-it-all. It’s about seeing things differently—and helping others see them too. As Sinek puts it, 'Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.' 

In this episode, we’re unpacking the true role of thought leadership in business. Why it matters, how it creates trust and momentum, and why the best organizations don’t just sell—they lead.

This week's episode features an engaging podcast-style Red Hat webinar we recently hosted.

Tom Simmons from Red Hat joined a panel of Moser experts that featured Shaun McAdams, Tom McGuinness, and Matt Wren to discuss ways Red Hat can help you gain a competitive advantage in the cloud and optimize your IT spending. The topics they covered include: Cloud Optimization Strategies, Real-World Cost Savings, and Open Source Innovation. 

If you're a business leader or IT professional who's seeking actionable insights, then this episode is for you!

In today's episode, we're going to discuss the clarity of data-driven strategic goals with two of our own, Marcus Reed and James McKeen.

Organizations have more data at their fingertips than ever before, but turning that data into clear, actionable objectives is where the real challenge—and opportunity—lies. Teams gain a shared understanding of what success looks like and how to measure it when strategic goals are shaped by evidence rather than assumptions.

This episode's discussion unpacks why clarity matters, how data can sharpen your strategic focus, and what practices can help leaders avoid the common pitfalls of vague or misaligned objectives. Whether you’re a business leader, an analyst, or simply passionate about making better decisions, this episode will help you harness data to drive purposeful, transparent, and impactful goals. 

For our premiere episode of ASCII Anything's 10th season, we're talking with Sydney Lawhead and Lillian Henninger, the summer interns for Moser's marketing department.

Sydney is a rising Senior at the University of Alabama, and Lillian is a rising Senior at Indiana University. They're joining us in a time warp sort of episode, because we split this interview into 3 parts across the entire summer. We met with them originally during their first week, again about midway through the summer, and one final time right before they left to return to school. We discussed their expectations and nerves, their projects, what they learned, and finished with recommendations for the future of the internship, as well as advice they would give to future interns. The entire interview really paints a picture of their summer and what they gained by interning at Moser.

Join us as we say goodbye to Season 9 of ASCII Anything with a look back at some of our favorite interviews and moments. Moser's new marketing intern, Lillian, joined us to sit in and co-produce on her second day at Moser. Undaunted, she jumped right into the conversation and was neither overwhelmed nor underwhelmed by her first podcast experience.

This week we're joined by Moser Consulting's Master of Disaster, Alexander Johnson. He's going to take us on a deep dive into the critical world of disaster recovery and backups and share insights on the latest strategies and technologies to safeguard your data against unforeseen events. From natural disasters to cyber-attacks, you'll learn how to implement robust backup solutions and disaster recovery plans that ensure business continuity. Whether you're a small business owner or an IT professional, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to protect your valuable data and stay ahead of potential threats. 

In this week's episode, two of Moser Consulting's own, Jim McKean and Marcus Reed, join us to discuss The Overton Window and how to control it.

The Overton Window concept describes the range of ideas or policies considered socially acceptable or politically possible at any given moment. Named after Joseph Overton, a policy analyst, the idea suggests that public perception sets the boundaries of what's feasible. This means that for any idea to gain traction, it first must fall within this 'window of acceptability.' 

This week, we've got Part 2 of our two-part panel discussion on Data Management as a Service, or DMaaS, with Moser's Brett Canova, Tony Wilhelm, and Brian Woolwine. This week we dive even deeper into how DMaaS is transforming the way businesses handle their data, ensuring scalability, security, and efficiency.

This week, we're hearing the first of a two-part panel discussion on Data Management as a Service, or DMaaS, with Moser's Brett Canova, Tony Wilhelm, and Brian Woolwine. We'll discuss how DMaaS is transforming the way businesses handle their data, ensuring scalability, security, and efficiency.

In this week's episode, we're joined by Moser's Hersey Richardson, who will guide us through the thrilling world of IT helpdesk adventures and misadventures. From phishing attacks to ransomware threats, discover the everyday challenges that IT professionals face and explore the strategies employed to keep systems secure. Strap in for gripping tales of combating spam, thwarting scams, and navigating sabotage during this insightful conversation that takes us "behind the screens" and offers valuable tips for staying safe in the digital age.

Join us this week for a heartwarming and nostalgic journey celebrating Moser's 29th anniversary. In this special episode, we'll be talking all things Moser with a sampling of Moser employees, from one of our longest-tenured to a relatively new employee. We'll trade stories, share memories, and listen to their reflections on what makes Moser a unique and beloved workplace. This episode is a tribute to the dedication, passion, and camaraderie that have defined Moser for nearly three decades.

This week we've got Part 2 of our 2-part discussion that starts where part 1 left off. Join us as we dovetail into cybersecurity trends around advanced AI models like DeepSeek with Moser's Director of Security and Compliance, Eric McCombs. 

DeepSeek AI is a Chinese startup that gained attention for its advanced, efficient, and cost-effective AI models, particularly DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1. Those models rivaled even the most advanced models from companies like OpenAI and Meta. DeepSeek's AI Assistant has become the top-rated free application on Apple's App Store in the US. Eric is joining us to discuss rising concerns about the potential risks associated with installing DeepSeek AI on a company's network, including the possibility of accessing and exposing confidential information.

This week's episode is part 1 of a 2-part discussion that covers cybersecurity trends around advanced AI models like DeepSeek with Moser's Director of Security and Compliance, Eric McCombs. 

DeepSeek AI is a Chinese startup that gained attention for its advanced, efficient, and cost-effective AI models, particularly DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1. Those models rivaled even the most advanced models from companies like OpenAI and Meta. DeepSeek's AI Assistant has become the top-rated free application on Apple's App Store in the US. Eric is joining us to discuss rising concerns about the potential risks associated with installing DeepSeek AI on a company's network, including the possibility of accessing and exposing confidential information.

In this week's episode, we'll discuss how AI and Automation are impacting impact leadership roles, explore strategies for leading through change, and look at how leaders can leverage technology to enhance—not replace—human potential. 

As technology continues to evolve, automation is reshaping how we work, streamlining processes and driving efficiency. But what does that mean for leaders? How do we navigate the challenges of integrating automation while keeping teams engaged, motivated, and adaptable?

Listen to the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KZUBpj8o23M?si=R9do_uXOJUNUe19b

This week, Moser Consultants Anwar Eaton, Emma Rosen, and Sandy Nguyen join us to explore revised ADA/508 Standards and what they mean for businesses and federal agencies. We’ll break down the key updates made in 2017, which align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, and discuss how these changes impact electronic and information technology (EIT) accessibility. We’ll cover practical steps organizations can take to ensure compliance, the risks of failing to meet these requirements, and the broader benefits of accessible technology for employees and customers with disabilities. Additionally, we’ll highlight real-world examples of companies successfully implementing these standards and share resources to help businesses navigate their Section 508 obligations.

Listen to the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/f4H56k-l4ts?si=BjLaqT_LHM-TYTDJ

This week we'll be discussing how, with the right strategies, remote IT projects can be just as efficient and productive as in-person teams—if not more.

Managing remote IT projects comes with unique challenges, and joining us this week is Moser's own Derrick Spires. Derrick is a Senior Consultant with more than a decade of experience in the IT and consulting industry. Known for managing complex projects, improving business processes, and leading cross-functional teams, Derrick has a proven track record of exceeding business goals and delivering high-quality results. Derrick has a strong background in computer software engineering and information systems and he is certified as a PMP, CSM, and KCS professional. Derrick helps clients optimize performance and achieve strategic objectives. Continuous learning and knowledge sharing are at the core of his professional mission, from coordinating distributed teams to ensuring seamless communication and collaboration. Because success hinges on leveraging the right tools, setting clear expectations, and fostering a strong team culture despite physical distance. 

Listen to the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VBQ90MGJD2Y?si=JsKuqg-Z_LY5cBGw

This week's episode features Moser's Director of Quality, Alphia Stephens, who joins us to discuss audits and auditing. Alphia leads a dynamic team that thrives on the principles of continuous process improvement and exceptional service delivery. With deep expertise in information technology and a passion for service delivery and customer satisfaction, she has strategically integrated best practices to boost efficiency and quality. The team's dedication to excellence is reflected in their impressive CMMI rating and ISO 9001 certification. Aligned with the organization's culture of excellence, Alphia and her team are committed to delivering innovative solutions that consistently exceed client expectations. 

Listen to the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/r-3NBpl3Fkk?si=T-24zNjqoUh1xbG9

On this week's edition of ASCII Anything we're discussing the future of work with AI agents. Joining us to talk through the development and uses of AI and AI-powered assistants is Ari Moreland, a consultant in Moser's Data & Analytics division. 

Listen to the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-AkwgCbDXwY?si=g9OWaJHEbPtba9Pu

Welcome to the premiere of SEASON 9!

Dashboards are a powerful tool that transform complex data into clear, actionable insights. By consolidating key metrics in one place, they help individuals and organizations make informed decisions, track performance, and drive strategic outcomes.

Joining us this week are Moser's VP of Data & Analytics, Adrienne Watts, and one of our Senior Consultants, Melissa Steffensen. They're with us to discuss dashboard creation and the 3/30/300 principle, a design philosophy that states in 3 seconds, users should get an overview of the most important questions and areas. In 30 seconds, they should filter and zoom to identify periods and categories to focus on. And in 300 seconds, they should be able to get details on demand to inform their decisions and actions.

Listen to the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TN94S8QKmk0?si=u9csttjPtgDH3lyO

Season 8 of ASCII Anything is drawing to a close as we wind down 2024 with our traditional Best-Of episode. Join us as we revisit our favorite moments from Season 8!

We've got a little bit of everything, from the best and worst IT Tropes in pop culture to our Black Friday cavalcade of capitalism, and even a way more in-depth than expected digression for the 1990s-era Chicago Bulls that featured in our last episode on Agency.

Thank you for joining us this season, we appreciate you taking the time to listen. And if any of the clips from this week catch your ear, we encourage you to go back and listen to their full episode. 

See you in early 2025 for Season 9! 

On this week's show, we're talking about the power of agency. How the feeling of control and influence a person has over their environment and situation leads to higher satisfaction and greater productivity. Moser's own Marcus Reed and Jim McKean are joining us for the discussion. 

Jim is a senior information technology leader and an Agile coach known for turning around troubled implementations and providing direction and drive. 

Marcus is a principal consultant and team leader at Moser. He helps IT organizations reshape operations and culture to be more effective now, and industry leaders tomorrow. 

Former Moser intern turned Moser Consultant Alex Payne joins us this week to discuss the updates included in the latest release of Snowflake, a cloud-based data warehousing service that allows organizations to store, manage, and analyze large amounts of data.

Alex  works in Data Engineering, specializing in Data Migrations, Power Apps, Streamlit Development, and Snowflake Data Management. He is also a leader of the AI-Tig, where he presents monthly on cutting-edge AI technology. Outside of work, he enjoys playing and watching sports, as well as working out.

As the holiday season approaches, we're back with our annual crowd-sourced Black Friday gift ideas episode. Join us as we talk with some of Moser's consultants about the things they're putting under the tree this year, as well as what they're hoping to find in their own stockings.

Here are just a few of the items we covered:
The Remarkable 2 Digital Writing Tablet:
https://remarkable.com/store/remarkable-2

The Fluffy Puffin Microfiber Hand Towel:
https://www.amazon.com/JJ-KENT-Puffins-Bathroom-Attachments/dp/B0CYDTL86G?th=1

The Life Straw Personal Water Filtration System:
https://amzn.to/4hYbmRe

Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Headphones:
https://amzn.to/4fQId8S

The VSee Box V3 Plus:
https://vseebox.com/v3-plus/