Episode Details:

• Duration: ~32 minutes
• Date: 2026-01-26
• Speakers: Bret Pontillo (Host), Ludo Francois (CEO & Founder, TrackIt), Brad Winett (President & Partner, TrackIt)

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Bret Pontillo sits down with TrackIt's leadership team to explore how system integrators are transforming education through AWS cloud solutions. Ludo Francois and Brad Winett share their journey from traditional infrastructure to cloud-native solutions, discussing how they're helping educational institutions leverage streaming media, AI, and custom applications. The conversation covers everything from virtual classroom technology to innovative partnerships with institutions like Epitech Paris, demonstrating how cloud technology is making education more accessible and engaging.

Key Discussion Points:

• TrackIt's evolution from storage infrastructure to AWS-focused system integrator
• Building custom streaming solutions for educational content delivery
• Monetization strategies for educational media (ad insertion, subscription models)
• Virtual classroom technology and student experience optimization
• Partnership model with Epitech Paris for hands-on AWS training
• AI applications in education (curriculum building, virtual tutors, automated testing)
• Custom video platforms as alternatives to YouTube for educational content

Featured Technologies:

• Amazon CloudFront
• AWS IVS (Interactive Video Service)
• Amazon ECS and EKS (Kubernetes)
• Custom CDN solutions
• AI/ML services for education

Key Takeaways:

• Cloud technology enables educational institutions to transition from in-person to virtual classrooms effectively
• Custom streaming platforms provide educators with full control over content monetization and user experience
• Hands-on, lab-based training programs accelerate cloud skills development for students
• AI is transforming education through personalized tutoring, automated assessment, and curriculum development
• Strategic partnerships between tech companies and educational institutions create symbiotic learning opportunities

Resources Mentioned:

• Trackflix (custom Netflix-like platform for education)
• Epitech Paris Graduate School of Digital Innovation
• AWS SkillBuilder
• TrackIt Medium articles
• TrackIt YouTube channel

Tags:

#EdTech #AWS #CloudComputing #StreamingMedia #VirtualClassroom #AIinEducation #HigherEducation #SystemIntegrator #DigitalTransformation #StudentExperience

Episode Details:

• Date: 2026-01-19
• Duration: ~27 minutes
• Speakers: Host - Bret Pontillo, Guest - Deepika Chopra (CEO & Founder of Alpha U AI, Author)

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Deepika Chopra, CEO and founder of Alpha U AI and author of "Move First, Align Fast," shares her insights on organizational alignment and AI adoption. Drawing from 15+ years in financial services and digital transformation, Deepika discusses why technology implementations fail despite having the best tools, and introduces frameworks for building trust-native AI systems. The conversation explores the critical gap between AI strategy and execution, focusing on the human side of technological change.

Key Discussion Points:

• The trust layer between AI strategy and execution
• Why pilots fail to reach production despite green dashboards
• Shadow AI and execution theater patterns in organizations
• The difference between ethical AI and aligned AI
• ACT framework: Align, Cultivate, Transform for measuring AI readiness
• Human AI Alignment Score (HAAS) for leadership decision-making
• Safe experimentation and execution advantage
• Education as the proving ground for responsible AI

Featured Technologies:

• Investment Intelligence Platforms
• AI Literacy Programs
• Human AI Alignment Score (HAAS)

Key Takeaways:

• Trust and adoption are more critical than technology accuracy for successful AI implementation
• The missing layer between strategy and execution is the trust layer built on clarity
• Organizations should measure behavioral signals, not just dashboard metrics
• Aligned AI focuses on "can we use this daily?" while ethical AI asks "should we use this?"
• Education institutions are uniquely positioned to build AI-ready infrastructure through skills and trust development

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: "Move First, Align Fast" by Deepika Chopra (Published by Wiley)
• Alpha U AI Platform
• ACT Framework (Align, Cultivate, Transform)

Tags:

#AI #DigitalTransformation #AWS #Education #OrganizationalAlignment #TrustInAI #EdTech #Leadership #ChangeManagement #AIAdoption

Episode Details:

• Date: 2026-01-12
• Duration: ~20 minutes
• Speakers: Pranusha Manchala, Bret Pontillo

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Pranusha and Bret dive deep into Amazon Q Business, AWS's most capable generative AI-powered assistant. They explore how educational institutions can quickly build custom AI applications using natural language, leverage Q Apps for personalized learning experiences, and integrate with 45+ data connectors. The discussion covers practical implementation strategies, security features, custom connector development, and flexible pricing models designed for education use cases.

Key Discussion Points:

• Amazon Q Business capabilities and quick setup process
• Q Apps for creating custom Gen AI applications without coding
• 45+ out-of-the-box data connectors including Gmail, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Google Drive
• Custom connector development using Q Developer and vibe coding
• Business actions for employee productivity and ticketing systems
• Consumption-based and subscription pricing models

Featured Technologies:

• Amazon Q Business
• Q Apps
• Amazon Bedrock
• Q Developer
• AWS Quicksight

Key Takeaways:

• Q Business applications can be built in hours, not weeks, with point-and-click integration
• Q Apps enable educators and administrators to create personalized learning tools using natural language
• Built-in security features include role-based permissions and topic filtering for education compliance
• Custom connectors can be developed quickly using vibe coding with Q Developer
• Flexible pricing options support both user-based subscriptions and consumption-based models for embedded applications

Resources Mentioned:

• Q Business Pricing Page
• Q Business Getting Started Guide (6-step process)
• AWS Documentation for Q Business

Tags:

#AWSEducation #EdTech #AmazonQBusiness #GenerativeAI #AIinEducation #HigherEducation #AWS #MachineLearning #DigitalTransformation #PersonalizedLearning