In this episode of Bytes and Banter, Phil Gerbyshak joins us to talk about burnout, authenticity, and building a human-centered career in tech. From his early days as a book-loving teacher at heart to becoming a coach, speaker, and advocate for tech professionals, Phil shares lessons learned about navigating career pivots, recognizing burnout, and finding energy through self-reflection and connection.

We explore what it really means to lead with empathy, how to deepen professional relationships beyond hallway small talk, and why being human, helpful, and humble is more powerful than any new tool or trend. Plus, Phil reveals his go-to strategies for staying energized—and why naps, notebooks, and 3AM conversations might be the key to sustainable success.

🌐 Want more from Phil? Sign Up for his weekly writings at https://happyaf.substack.com and connect with him on LinkedIn.

Phil Gerbyshak is a high-energy speaker, trainer, and former tech leader who knows the real-world pressures of IT support—because he’s lived them. With two decades in technology, sales, and leadership, Phil now helps tech teams tackle burnout, boost engagement, and lead with empathy. He’s an award-winning speaker and author featured in USA Today, Forbes, and Inc., and brings relatable, real-talk insights to every room. Whether he’s talking help desks or human connection, Phil makes it practical, memorable—and actually fun.

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HDI Local Chapters is an all volunteer not-for-profit that brings Technical Support professionals together to connect, share and discuss common challenges, and learn from industry innovators and each other --- https://www.hdilocalchapters.org

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Bytes and Banter Podcast Team

Creative Producer/Host: Rocky McGuire - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockymcguire/

Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/

Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/

Associate Producer - Daniel Guinto - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-guinto-7b723630/

Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/

Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com

Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com

In this episode of Bytes & Banter, we talk with Matt Deneroff, Vice President and Market Director at Robert Half, about one of today’s most pressing tech challenges: finding and developing the right talent. Drawing from Robert Half’s Building Future-Forward Tech Teams report, Matt shares insights on closing skills gaps, navigating AI and cybersecurity demands, and responding to the surge in ERP needs.

We dive into workforce strategies like refining job descriptions, upskilling, flexible staffing models, and leveraging consultants or hackathons to spark innovation. Tune in to hear how tech leaders are adapting—and what it takes to build a team that’s ready for what’s next.

Explore how Robert Half can help you build a future-ready tech team: https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/building-tech-teams?utm_medium=alliance&utm_source=external-link&utm_campaign=v2_all_thought-leadership_july-2025-hdi-bytes-and-banter-us_rht&utm_content=building-future-forward-tech-teams

Bio: Matt Deneroff is Market Director and Vice President of Technology & Digital at Robert Half, serving the DC Metro market. He leads both contract and permanent placement services across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, connecting top tech talent with forward-thinking organizations. With over a decade at Robert Half, Matt has held multiple leadership roles and earned national recognition for driving growth and performance. He holds a degree in Business Administration and Management from The Catholic University of America.

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HDI Local Chapters is an all volunteer not-for-profit that brings Technical Support professionals together to connect, share and discuss common challenges, and learn from industry innovators and each other --- https://www.hdilocalchapters.org

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Bytes and Banter Podcast Team

Creative Producer/Host: Rocky McGuire - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockymcguire/

Associate Producer/Host - Daniel Guinto - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-guinto-7b723630/

Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/

Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/

Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/

Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com

Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com

In this episode of Bytes and Banter, Sarah Nicastro joins us to explore what authentic leadership looks like in an AI-driven world. From her unexpected journey into field service to becoming a principal evangelist at IFS, Sarah shares how the industry has evolved—from cost center to strategic asset—and what that means for leaders today. We talk curiosity, change leadership, and how to create cultures that truly value people. Plus, why staying neutral on AI is key to driving innovation without compromising your core values.

🌐 Want more insights on service transformation and leadership? Visit www.futureoffieldservice.com for articles, podcasts, and resources from Sarah Nicastro.

Sarah Nicastro is the driving force behind Future of Field Service as Founder & Editor in Chief, Host of the UNSCRIPTED podcast, and Principal Evangelist at IFS. Through insightful articles and engaging interviews with industry giants, Sarah distils real-world perspectives into actionable insights. Renowned as a global keynote speaker, she inspires audiences to navigate modern business complexities and drive transformative change. With a unique combination of community-sourced best practices and her own thought leadership, Sarah empowers service leaders to embrace innovation and chart their course toward sustainable success. Sarah lives in Erie, Pennsylvania with her husband Eric; two sons, Evan and Ellis; and two cats, Atticus and Popcorn. To decompress, she likes to visit Lake Erie and search for beach glass. She’s an avid reader, a die-hard fan of hip-hop, is obsessed with ice cream, and Pelotons daily.

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HDI Local Chapters is an all volunteer not-for-profit that brings Technical Support professionals together to connect, share and discuss common challenges, and learn from industry innovators and each other --- https://www.hdilocalchapters.org

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bytes and Banter Podcast Team

Creative Producer/Host: Rocky McGuire - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockymcguire/

Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/

Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/

Associate Producer - Daniel Guinto - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-guinto-7b723630/

Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/

Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com

Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com