Listen to a podcast, please open Podcast Republic app. Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Start at Zero is a conversation-first podcast about what it actually takes to modernize technology, build a business from scratch, and make sense of AI without the hype. Episodes range from focused 15-minute interviews with government leaders and tech founders to longer deep dives where I walk through what I'm building in real time - the AI agents, the automation stack, the hard lessons from 20 years of consulting.
The tone is direct and honest. I don't do scripted questions or softball setups. I want the story behind the story - what went wrong, what you'd do differently, what nobody in the room was willing to say. Guests should expect a conversation that feels like two people working through a real problem together, not a performance.
Topics include government technology, AI in the real world, entrepreneurship, consulting, procurement, and the messy intersection of all of them. Some episodes are interviews, some are just me thinking out loud about something I built or broke that week.
If you've got a real story - something you built, something that failed, a lesson that cost you - you'll fit right in here. I'll send a loose topic outline beforehand, but the best episodes happen when we go off-script.
| Episode | Date |
|---|---|
|
Responsible AI Governance: How Public Sector Leaders Avoid Costly Mistakes
|
Mar 26, 2026 |
|
How Long Should Digital Transformation Really Take?
|
Mar 12, 2026 |
|
5 Budget Decisions That Will Shape Local Government Through 2030
|
Mar 05, 2026 |
|
Your Employees Will Reject This ERP Unless You Do This First
|
Feb 26, 2026 |
|
Government AI Pilots Are Failing — Here’s Why
|
Feb 19, 2026 |
|
AI & GovTech: The Race to Do It Right
|
Feb 12, 2026 |
|
The 90-Day ERP Check: Warning Signs That Predict Project Failure
|
Feb 05, 2026 |
|
Why Your AI Pilot Will Fail (And What Actually Works Instead)
|
Jan 29, 2026 |
|
Why ERP Projects Break Down Long Before Go-Live
|
Jan 22, 2026 |
|
Best of Breed vs All-in-One: The ERP Debate That’s Costing Governments Millions
|
Jan 15, 2026 |
|
Dirty Data: Why Legacy ERP Migrations Fail Before They Start
|
Jan 08, 2026 |
|
Bulletproof RFPs: How to Turn Procurement From Opinion Into Math
|
Jan 01, 2026 |
|
Vaporware Traps: Why Government Keeps Falling for Software Demos
|
Dec 18, 2025 |
|
From Practitioner to CIO: The Leadership Evolution No One Talks About
|
Dec 11, 2025 |
|
Why Avero Isn’t a “Tech Firm” — And What Modernization Actually Requires
|
Dec 04, 2025 |
|
GovAI Summit Recap: Separating Signal from Noise in Government AI
|
Nov 20, 2025 |
|
From Paper to Person: Injecting Life into Vendor Interviews in Public Procurement
|
Nov 13, 2025 |
|
Leveraging Technology to Build Trust in Local Government | ICMA 2025
|
Nov 06, 2025 |
|
From Phoenix to Policy: Reflections on Housing Innovation at NAHRO 2025
|
Oct 23, 2025 |
|
What’s a Realistic Timeline for Public Sector Transformation?
|
Oct 23, 2025 |
|
What’s a Realistic Timeline for Public Sector Transformation?
|
Oct 16, 2025 |
|
Modern Policing & Data-Driven Leadership: A Conversation with Chief Paul Noel
|
Oct 03, 2025 |
|
From Benchmarks to Predictive SIS: The Future of Student Data
|
Oct 02, 2025 |
|
From Disaster to Best Practices: Lessons in Government ERP
|
Sep 25, 2025 |
|
2026 Paradigm Shifts: Rethinking Government ERP Implementations
|
Sep 18, 2025 |
|
ERP Contracts Uncovered: Avoiding the Fine Print Traps
|
Sep 11, 2025 |
|
Modern Finance in Government: AI, Strategy & the Future CFO
|
Sep 04, 2025 |
|
Procurement Politics: How to Keep Vendor Selection Fair & Focused
|
Aug 28, 2025 |
|
Define Success Before You Fund It: Project Scope Done Right
|
Aug 21, 2025 |
|
EAM in Focus: Strategic Asset Management for Modern Government
|
Aug 14, 2025 |
|
AI & GovTech: The Race to Do It Right
|
Aug 07, 2025 |
|
AI’s Tipping Point: July’s Seismic Shifts in GovTech
|
Jul 31, 2025 |
|
Timelines, Trust & Transformation: What It Really Takes to Modernize Public Sector Tech
|
Jul 24, 2025 |
|
Modernizing Government Finance: Insights from GFOA 2025
|
Jul 17, 2025 |
|
GFOA 2025: What Public Finance Leaders Are Really Talking About
|
Jul 10, 2025 |
|
Public Good, Private Code: AI Ethics in Local Government
|
Jul 03, 2025 |
|
Beyond the Bid: What the UK’s £144M ERP Deal Teaches Us About Transformation
|
Jun 26, 2025 |
|
Flight Plan for ERP: Lessons in Leadership, Checklists, and Control
|
Jun 19, 2025 |
|
GovTech Unfiltered: Live Q&A with Abhijit Verekar
|
Jun 12, 2025 |
|
Retaining Trust & Fueling Growth – The New Era of Government Client Success
|
May 29, 2025 |
|
The Future of AI for Constituent Services & CRM for Government
|
May 22, 2025 |
|
How We've Helped Our Clients Overcome the Biggest Challenges in Public Sector Transformations
|
May 01, 2025 |
|
Beyond the Comfort Zone: Leading Through Growth and Change
|
Apr 24, 2025 |
|
Jan Baan on Microservices, AI, and the Future of Enterprise Software
|
Apr 17, 2025 |
|
Monolithic ERP vs. Best-of-Breed: How to Choose What Work
|
Apr 10, 2025 |
|
Beyond The Status Quo: How OpenGov Is Raising The Bar For Public Sector Innovation
|
Apr 03, 2025 |
|
Turning Transactions Into Trust: Building Better Vendor Relationships
|
Mar 27, 2025 |
|
Nevada's ERP Milestone: Modernizing Government One ERP at a Time
|
Mar 20, 2025 |
|
Modernizing Government: Public Sector Digital Transformation & IT Modernization Summit
|
Mar 13, 2025 |
|
Connecting EAM and ERP for Smarter Operations
|
Mar 06, 2025 |
|
AI, Government Efficiency & The Future of Public Services
|
Feb 27, 2025 |
|
Government ERP Selection: Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid
|
Feb 20, 2025 |
|
Inside the UK’s Largest ERP Transformation: Lessons for Government IT
|
Feb 13, 2025 |
|
Stargate's $500B AI Initiative & What It Means for Local Governments
|
Feb 06, 2025 |
|
People-First Technology: Redefining Public Sector HR With UKG
|
Jan 30, 2025 |
|
RFP Masterclass: Write with Us, Win with Us
|
Jan 23, 2025 |
|
Our Most Frequent and Toughest Questions from Prospects
|
Jan 16, 2025 |
|
2025 New Years Resolutions for Local Gov Tech
|
Jan 09, 2025 |
|
2025 Checklist for ERP Implementation Readiness
|
Jan 02, 2025 |
|
Questions from Prospects: What it's like Actually Partnering with us
|
Dec 26, 2024 |
|
Changing the Future of GovTech
|
Dec 19, 2024 |
|
Why Your RFPs Are Being Ignored - Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
|
Dec 12, 2024 |
|
Death by a Thousand Cuts - ERP Failures in Local Government
|
Dec 05, 2024 |
|
Technology Trends
|
Nov 28, 2024 |
|
Real World Results - Public Sector IT Strategies in Action
|
Nov 21, 2024 |
|
Why Your RFPs Are Being Ignored: Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
|
Nov 14, 2024 |
|
The Future of Government AI: How Your Local Government Can Leverage It Today
|
Nov 07, 2024 |
|
Essential Questions to Ask Your CIO
|
Oct 31, 2024 |
|
Oracle in Action: Powering Public Sector Transformation
|
Oct 17, 2024 |
|
The Power Assessments in Digital Transformation
|
Oct 04, 2024 |
|
Modernizing Public Safety: Next-Gen Case Management Solutions
|
Aug 29, 2024 |
|
Digital Transformation Olympics: Sprinting Towards Innovation
|
Aug 14, 2024 |
|
Top Questions to Ask Your CIO | Public Sector ERP
|
Aug 01, 2024 |
|
NetSuite & Infor Insights: Navigating the Future of Business Solutions
|
Jul 19, 2024 |
|
The State of SAP in the Public Sector
|
Jul 11, 2024 |
|
Government Finance Officer Association Recap: Key Learnings for CFO in DtX Projects
|
Jun 22, 2024 |
|
Mindful Pauses: ERP Project Wellness Checks
|
Jun 05, 2024 |
|
Unlocking Success - Mastering Leadership and Process Improvement in Consulting
|
May 28, 2024 |
|
Client-Centric Consulting - Delivering Knowledge, Not Just Results
|
May 21, 2024 |
|
Live Q&A with AV - Ask Me Anything (AMA)
|
May 03, 2024 |
|
Public Safety: Implementing Sustainable Technology
|
Apr 30, 2024 |
|
When Contracts Go South: Managing Legal Challenges in ERP
|
Apr 23, 2024 |
|
Connecting the Dots: Crafting an ERP RFP that Speaks to Technology, People, and Change
|
Apr 16, 2024 |
|
Navigating the Shift: Modernizing Legacy ERP Systems in Public Transit
|
Apr 09, 2024 |
|
Navigating the Shift: From Private Sector Efficiency to Public Sector Impact
|
Apr 03, 2024 |
|
Government ERP: Mastering Total Ownership Cost Analysis
|
Mar 15, 2024 |
|
Beyond the Call: Technology's Transformative Impact on Public Safety
|
Mar 09, 2024 |
|
Contract Essentials Parts 1 - 4
|
Mar 01, 2024 |
|
Introduction to Cross-Collaboration
|
Feb 24, 2024 |
|
Phases of the ERP Implementation Process
|
Feb 16, 2024 |
|
RFP Design: What Government Consultants Wish You Knew
|
Feb 09, 2024 |
|
Visionary Ventures Entrepreneurial Strategies for PHA Leaders
|
Feb 02, 2024 |
|
Navigating Digital Transformation in K-12 Education: Challenges and Opportunities
|
Jan 26, 2024 |
|
Public Safety Technology Strategy
|
Jan 19, 2024 |
|
Solo Broadcast: Mastering the ERP Checklist Essentials
|
Jan 12, 2024 |
|
Building a Robust ERP Implementation Team
|
Jan 05, 2024 |
|
The Strategic Vision: Aligning ERP Modernization with Public Sector Organizational Goals
|
Dec 29, 2023 |
|
360° Readiness Check: Preparing for Software Implementation Across Operations, Data, and Teams
|
Dec 22, 2023 |
|
Streamlining Workflows and Boosting Interdepartmental Collaboration with ERP Systems
|
Dec 15, 2023 |
|
Project Governance and Stakeholder Management in IT Change Initiatives
|
Dec 08, 2023 |
|
The Future of Government Services: Enhancing Public Engagement through Natural Language Search Tools
|
Dec 01, 2023 |
|
Stratosphere Debate with AV & Eric Kimberling
|
Nov 24, 2023 |
|
Modernizing a City: Strategizing the Initial Steps Towards a Comprehensive IT Update
|
Nov 17, 2023 |
|
Breaking Point: The Escalating Threat of Ransomware and Data Breaches
|
Nov 10, 2023 |
|
Creating a Workplace Culture that Embraces Accountability and Leadership
|
Nov 04, 2023 |
|
Potion Mixing Perils: The Dark Arts of Customization with Paul Oberdorfer
|
Oct 27, 2023 |
|
Tales from the Crypt: ERP Zombies - Stories of Half-Dead ERP Implementations
|
Oct 20, 2023 |
|
Ghost of Resistance: Change Management Phantoms
|
Oct 13, 2023 |
|
Leading Major City Modernization Efforts In The Midst Of A Pandemic With John Juech
|
Mar 08, 2023 |
|
Design Thinking and Business Process Redesign in Enterprise IT
|
Feb 24, 2023 |
|
How To Become COVID-Resilient Through Shovel-Ready Projects
|
Feb 10, 2023 |
|
Internet Access & Affordability - Part 2 With Mike Caffrey
|
Feb 03, 2023 |
|
Public Housing Authorities, Systems, And Challenges That Get In The Way Of Efficient Operations With Robert Kornovich
|
Jan 27, 2023 |
|
IT Modernization: Proven Roadmaps And Pitfalls To Avoid With Mike Caffrey
|
Jan 21, 2023 |
|
Internet Access And Affordability - Part 1
|
Jan 13, 2023 |
|
Harnessing Government Technology To Make a Big Impact With Abhi Nemani
|
Dec 15, 2022 |
|
Strategic Innovation In City Management: Pearland TX With Clay Pearson
|
Dec 07, 2022 |
|
Digital Innovation For Better Utilities With Gabe Bolas
|
Dec 01, 2022 |
|
Leveraging Innovative Technologies In The Public Housing Sector With Ben Bentley
|
Nov 25, 2022 |
|
Creating An Innovative City With The Business Community With Patricia Robled
|
Nov 17, 2022 |
|
Making Innovation As The Focal Point In Knoxville, Tennessee With Tom Ballard
|
Nov 10, 2022 |
|
Keeping Electronic Payments Secure With Jaydeep Palka
|
Nov 03, 2022 |
|
Intelligent Pavement Management with James Golden, CEO, PMG
|
Oct 28, 2022 |
|
Leveraging IoT Technologies In The Public Sector With Nicole Raimundo
|
Oct 21, 2022 |
|
Navigating The Journey To City Management Through Civic Technology And Problem Solving With Noel Bernal
|
Oct 07, 2022 |
|
Create Simple Cybersecurity Solutions With Cybersecurity Professional James Leslie
|
Sep 30, 2022 |
|
Transformation Through Technology: Reaching Operational Sufficiency By Leveraging Tech With Ivory Mathews
|
Sep 23, 2022 |
|
Cybersecurity & Enterprise Risk For Executives With Robert Kornovich
|
Sep 16, 2022 |
|
Seeing Through The Noise Of Government IT With Joe LaCroix
|
Sep 09, 2022 |
|
Capturing Sustainable Growth In The Public Housing Industry With Sean Gilbert
|
Sep 02, 2022 |
|
Innovation through Document Management
|
Aug 26, 2022 |
|
Building Thriving Communities With Eugene Jones Jr.
|
Aug 12, 2022 |
|
From T1 To Fiber Optic: Innovation For The Community With Greg McClain
|
Aug 05, 2022 |
|
A Day In The Life Of A City Manager With C. Seth Sumner
|
Jul 29, 2022 |
|
Effective Leadership: Being Brilliant At the Basics With Kimberly Bailey
|
Jul 22, 2022 |
|
Leveraging Technology to Enhance Communities, with Theogene Melancon, City Manager at Dayton, TX
|
Jul 15, 2022 |
|
Providing A Higher Level Of Service Through Innovation With Bob Wilson, Assistant City Manager, City of Johnson City, TN
|
Jul 08, 2022 |
|
Implementing Virtual Court Systems With Tom Hatcher, Circuit Court Clerk For Blount County, Tennessee
|
Jul 01, 2022 |
|
Building A Smart And Innovative City With Brian Platt, City Manager, City Of Jersey City, NJ
|
Jun 24, 2022 |
|
Enhancing The Level Of Service To Build A Great Community With Eric Stuckey, City Administrator, City of Franklin, TN
|
Jun 17, 2022 |
|
The Smart City: How Technology Can Be Utilized In Public Service With Rick Cole
|
Jun 10, 2022 |
|
Bringing Innovation To Airports With Trevis Gardner, Vice President Operations and CIO
|
Jun 03, 2022 |