The Alldus Podcast - AI in Action

Today's guest is Kim Beene, Solution Sales Executive- Federal ITx at ServiceNow. Founded in 2003, ServiceNow is a leading enterprise cloud platform that enables organizations to automate, optimize and transform digital workflows across IT, HR, customer service and business operations. By connecting people, processes and technology on a single platform, ServiceNow helps businesses improve efficiency, eliminate manual tasks, enhance employee and customer experiences, and accelerate digital transformation at scale.
Kim is a ServiceNow and IT Service Management leader with over 17 years’ experience in the ServiceNow ecosystem and more than 20 years in ITSM. Kim played a key role in the growth of Highmetric (now NewRocket), supporting ServiceNow solution delivery, customer success and platform adoption. Passionate about empowering teams, improving processes and building strong client relationships, Kim combines deep technical expertise with the ability to translate complex technology into meaningful business outcomes.In the episode, Kim discusses:
0:00 Her career journey from service desk analyst to 1,000+ ServiceNow implementations
2:25 Helping Army and Air Force modernize projects and assets
3:39 Why successful implementations require leadership, change management and clear goals
5:41 Advice to create internal champions by using the platform from day one
7:28 Why empathetic leadership builds stronger teams and lasting professional relationships
11:06 Successful AI adoption depends on people, training and change management
14:24 Her advice to believe in yourself and build a career that helps others
17:19 Great leaders inspire others through empathy, learning and knowledge sharing
19:50 Finding work/life balance to prioritize family, time and life’s moments
23:14 Excitement for ServiceNow growth, leadership and future opportunities

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Today's guest is Barbara Middelkoop - Meijsen, ServiceNow Solution Architect at Aramco Europe. Founded in 1933, Aramco is one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies. With over 90 years of history, Aramco play a central role in global energy supply, producing oil, gas and petrochemicals at scale. The company focuses on reliable energy delivery while investing in lower-carbon technologies and innovation to support a more sustainable energy future.
Barbara is an experienced consultant who bridges the gap between users, organizations and technology. She excels at translating functional user requirements into reliable technical solutions, while keeping organizational goals and process integrity in focus. Barbara can clearly communicate complex ideas and also turn them into practical implementation. She works well with a wide range of stakeholders and approaches challenges creatively, finding solutions when obstacles arise to ensure successful outcomes.
In the episode, Barbara talks about:
0:00 Her journey from Watchmaker to tech, finding passion for ServiceNow
3:14 With teams like gears, digital work offers flexible solutions
4:45 Her belief that leaders learn from all and help others grow
5:40 Her day-to-day-role bridging technical and functional sides to improve processes
8:02 Why people often cling to old habits instead of embracing new solutions
9:09 Advice to practice in a personal ServiceNow instance to learn effectively
10:36 Learning from others and attending events in the ServiceNow community
12:22 How Community involvement broadens perspective and offers supportive learning
13:00 Why she’s excited to implement AI in ServiceNow to improve efficiency

Today's guest is Simon Collins, Managing Director, Head of Security & Resilience (CISO) at Allianz Global Investors. Founded in 1998, Allianz Global Investors is a leading active investment manager. As part of the Allianz Group,  the firm provides investment solutions across equities, fixed income, multi-asset and private markets for institutional and retail clients worldwide. Through research-driven strategies, a commitment to sustainability and global expertise, they helps clients achieve their long-term investment objectives.
Simon is an experienced cybersecurity and operational resilience leader with more than 25 years in IT, specializing in information security, cybercrime investigation, fraud prevention, and cyber resilience. He has worked with organizations, boards and regulators to strengthen security frameworks and drive industry standards. Passionate about collaboration and knowledge-sharing, Simon regularly engages with cross-industry groups and conferences to promote best practices in cybersecurity and resilience.
In the episode, Simon discusses:
0:00 His journey from IT support to cybersecurity resilience leadership
1:45 Bridging technical cybersecurity risks with clear business storytelling
3:47 Why AI cyber threats demand adaptation, not panic or restart
5:34 How AI accelerates vulnerability exploitation, increasing cyberattack speed and scale
11:31 A demand for faster patching and stronger cyber hygiene in the AI era
15:34 How AI adoption is accelerating a real-time cyber arms race
18:04 Why AI resilience risks are overlooked amid rapid adoption pressure
21:19 The need to reshape resilient teams with AI literacy and gradual adoption

Today's guest is Howard Shortt, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Partner at Grant Thornton Ireland. Founded in 1924, Grant Thornton Ireland is a leading professional services firm providing audit, tax and advisory services to businesses. Combining global reach with local expertise, it helps clients navigate complex financial, regulatory and strategic challenges. Its teams work across a wide range of industries, delivering practical insights and solutions that support growth, improve performance and strengthen governance.
Howard is an experienced business leader specialising in cybersecurity, governance and cyber threat risk management. He applies leading practices in security operations, forensic investigation and team leadership to address incident response, critical infrastructure protection, threat mitigation and regulatory compliance. Howard also delivers cyber security advisory services across multiple countries and sectors, and is a trusted advisor to senior leaders, translating complex technical issues into clear, actionable insight.
In the episode, Howard discusses:
0:00 His journey from retail jobs to cybersecurity and digital forensics expert
2:39 How a childhood curiosity sparked lifelong passion for cybersecurity and forensics
5:31 Shaping a lifelong consulting career with a customer-focused mindset
7:12 How AI is accelerating cyber threats and strengthening defences simultaneously
8:40 Why Irish businesses remain underprepared for evolving AI-driven cyber threats
9:40 How a lack of preparation undermines cyber resilience and response
11:36 Cyber resilience requires leadership preparation, communication and realistic exercises
13:45 Cybersecurity demands constant learning, adaptation and mastering fundamentals
16:15 His advice to start with cybersecurity fundamentals and build knowledge step by step
To find out more about all the great work happening at Grant Thornton Ireland, check out the website www.grantthornton.ie