Podcasts
Andrea Sorri
Smart Cities Lead - EMEA
Axis Communications
Building the Future: Navigating the Evolution and Collaboration in Smart Cities
What if the cities of tomorrow could offer more than just a promise of technological advancement, but a tangible improvement in the quality of urban life? Steve welcomes Andrea Sorri to share insights on how smart cities are evolving, with lessons drawn from the established frameworks of European metropolises and new opportunities in the Middle East. They discuss the dynamic interplay between traditional infrastructure and cutting-edge innovation, and how each city, regardless of its stage of maturity, can harness technology to enhance urban mobility, safety, and citizen engagement. Learn how cities are integrating existing resources, such as video surveillance systems, for dual-use purposes, maximizing their potential for public safety and environmental monitoring.
Amidst the promise of smart cities, challenges such as scaling designs and ensuring cybersecurity are ever-present. Andrea highlights the importance of leveraging local resources and fostering innovation through City Labs and technology enablers in rapidly developing regions. Hear about the groundbreaking technologies being installed in places like Saudi Arabia, and why no single city can be hailed as the perfect model.
Corin Dennison
Managing Partners
Insight Retail Risk Consultancy
Navigating Retail Security: Combating Violence, Crime, and Fraud in a Changing Landscape
In this episode we are joined by Corin Dennison, an expert with extensive experience in law enforcement and retail security. Together, we delve into the pressing challenges facing the retail industry, including the rise of retail-specific violence and the economic implications of crime. Despite widespread security measures, criminals remain undeterred, leading to tough decisions about store location viability and financial transparency. We explore innovative strategies to balance safety and sales, as well as the importance of accurate crime recording and the role of technology in building offender profiles.
The conversation extends to the digital realm, highlighting the surge of returns fraud in e-commerce, exacerbated by social media platforms. We discuss the necessity of robust data sharing and advanced technological defenses to counteract these threats. Additionally, the episode addresses the controversial use of facial recognition technology, weighing its potential benefits against privacy concerns.
Jamie Donald
Unlocking Innovation: The Future of Security Technology Partnerships
Veteran security industry expert Jamie Donald from Axis Communications shares his wisdom on the fast-evolving landscape of security technology. With nearly three decades of industry experience, Jamie takes us through the journey from a fragmented market to a more unified, consolidated one. We delve into the strategic importance of open ecosystems and the necessity of technology partnerships, particularly in video management systems and analytics, to enhance both security measures and operational efficiency. Jamie also provides insight into the challenges and opportunities that come with market consolidation and why adopting an IT mindset is crucial to effectively navigate these changes.
While AI has often been overstated, Jamie and Steve discuss its potential for innovation when companies collaborate meaningfully. The discussion touches on the complexities faced by small developers in choosing between edge, server, or cloud solutions, and how collective investments can greatly enhance the value of technological solutions.
Program Director Technology Partners
Axis Communications
Dan Drogman
CEO
Smart Spaces
Revolutionizing Smart Building Solutions: From Integration Challenges to AI-Driven Security
In this episode we delve into the transformative journey of Smart Spaces, led by CEO and co-founder Dan Drogman. From its inception as a software consultancy in 2010, to its current status as a trailblazer in the PropTech industry – Smart Spaces has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance modern office environments. Discover how Dan and his team have harnessed innovations like Apple's iBeacon and AI-driven security solutions to revolutionize access control, climate management, and visitor interactions, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Join us as we explore the challenges and breakthroughs in smart building integration over the past five years, and learn how companies have shifted their perspective from viewing smart technology as a risk to recognizing it as a crucial competitive advantage. Dan shares insights on the role of AI and open protocol systems in enhancing building security and the importance of collaboration with security consultants and stakeholders. And, listen in as Steve and Dad envision a future where frictionless access control and digital transformation drive energy efficiency and unparalleled customer satisfaction in smart building solutions.
Navigating Regulatory Landscapes in the Middle East
Tertius Wolfaardt, a leading authority in architecture engineering and business development for Axis Communications, brings his profound insight into the security sector in the Middle East, a landscape ripe with opportunity and fraught with unique challenges. With nearly two decades of rich experience, Tertius helps us navigate through the transformative journey of the region's economies as they pivot away from oil dependency towards sectors like hospitality and tourism. Saudi Arabia’s ambitious projects and Dubai's remarkable evolution serve as prime examples of this shift. As we unpack the intricacies of the local regulations and standards that dictate security system design and implementation, the episode becomes a crucial guide for businesses aiming to thrive in the Middle East by understanding these critical nuances. Our conversation delves into the intricate dance between safety, technology, and regulatory compliance that defines cities like Dubai.
Tertius Wolfaardt
Architecture & Engineering Program Manager
Axis Communications
Florian Matusek
The Future of AI in Security: Enhancing Human Capabilities and Ethical Considerations
Join us as Florian Matsuek, Director of AI Strategy at Genetec, takes us on a journey into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the security industry. Florian and Steve shed light on how AI has transitioned from its early days to today's sophisticated generative models. Emphasizing AI as a tool to augment human capabilities, rather than replace them, Florian advocates for terms like "machine intelligence" and "intelligent automation" to better reflect AI's practical applications.
Steve and Florian address crucial topics such as responsible AI regulations and ethical data usage, drawing comparisons to frameworks like the EU AI Act and GDPR. They stress the importance of self-regulation and ethical standards in deploying AI technologies, especially in security applications. Listen as we review some valuable insights into AI's future in security, setting the stage for future episodes that will continue to explore the implications and advancements of this dynamic technology.
Director - AI Strategy
Genetec
Mike Gillespie
Founder & Thought Leader
Advent IM Limited
Cybersecurity: Bridging the Gap Between Risk and Regulation
In this episode, Mike Gillespie, Managing Director of Advent IM, offers his expert perspective on the complex and rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. The discussion explores some of the most pressing questions facing organisations today: Are businesses truly doing everything they can to defend against cyber threats? Or are outdated assumptions and misconceptions leaving critical gaps in their defences?
Mike shares insights into the importance of thorough vendor due diligence and the role of leadership in driving a more proactive, risk-based approach to cybersecurity. The conversation also explores how new and emerging legislation, from the UK and across Europe to global frameworks, is placing increasing pressure on businesses to act. But will regulation be enough to motivate meaningful change?
This thought-provoking episode challenges the status quo and looks at what’s really required to strengthen cyber resilience in the face of growing threats, shifting accountability, and an ever-more complex regulatory environment.
Baldvin Gislason Bern
Consultant & Advisor
Baldvin.Consulting
Transforming Physical Security: Navigating Cybersecurity Regulations and Compliance
In this episode seasoned expert in the physical security industry Baldvin Gislason Bern, discusses the critical transformation of cybersecurity regulations and compliance. The conversation delves into Baldwvin's journey from researcher to cybersecurity pioneer, highlighting the industry's pivotal shift towards cybersecurity – starting in 2014. Key topics include the impact of European regulations such as the NIS2 directive and the Cyber Resilience Act, which aim to address market vulnerabilities and enhance societal resilience against cyber threats. Baldwin emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences between frameworks, standards, and regulations, and their roles in safeguarding critical infrastructure.
The discussion also explores the significance of product security and adaptable regulations in the tech industry, focusing on standards like the UK’s Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Act and HCE. Baldvin and Steve share insights from their experiences at Axis, underscoring the necessity for ongoing cybersecurity vigilance and proactive approaches beyond mere regulatory compliance. The episode provides valuable guidance for organizations navigating the complex landscape of cybersecurity legislation, stressing the importance of prioritizing security practices to build comprehensive cybersecurity strategies across various sectors.