In this episode of the TEN Podcast, Shonna Dorsey of the Aksarben Foundation and the Nebraska Tech Collaborative sits down with Tori Young of CRi, Managing Director at Client Resources Inc., for a candid conversation about what’s really happening in the tech talent market.

With more than 25 years in business and deep roots in Omaha, CRi has navigated multiple market cycles. Tori shares how long-term relationships, culture fit, and human judgment are becoming more—not less—important in an era of AI, automated hiring tools, and record applicant volume.

The conversation covers:

• Why tenure and trust still matter in tech staffing

• How AI is changing hiring and where it falls short

• What students and early-career professionals should focus on right now

• Why employers are rethinking remote work and returning to in-person collaboration

• The growing disconnect between applicants and automated hiring systems

• Why community involvement strengthens both talent pipelines and businesses

This is a practical, real-world discussion for employers, students, and tech professionals who want clarity without the hype.

Victor D. Patterson Sr. joins the TEN Podcast to share his journey and the ideas behind the cybersecurity and governance frameworks he has created, including DeepSecure™, Cerberus Shield™, and Adversarial GRC™. His work focuses on helping organizations strengthen their defenses against synthetic threats, deepfakes, and adversarial artificial intelligence.

Victor’s story includes navigating significant challenges and continuing to move forward in his career through learning, experimentation, and problem solving. He has published through Taylor and Francis EDPACS (Electronic Data Processing Audit, Control, and Security). He is steadily building momentum as an emerging voice in artificial intelligence governance and security operations innovation.

Victor is also collaborating with Code Black Tech to expand education related to artificial intelligence governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) and to create cybersecurity learning opportunities for underserved communities.

This conversation explores resilience, technical creativity, and the growing importance of artificial intelligence centered cybersecurity in today’s world.

In this episode of the TEN Podcast, Shonna Dorsey sits down with Emily Allen, Executive Director of Tech Nebraska, for a dynamic conversation about the policy and advocacy work that is shaping the future of Nebraska’s tech ecosystem.

Emily brings a rare mix of experience to this role. She is a licensed attorney, a Nebraska native, and a global policy advocate who has spoken at the United Nations and the World Summit on the Information Society. Her background spans brand strategy, communications, partnership development, and leadership roles at Honor Technology where she expanded the brand into thirteen global markets. Now, as the leader of Tech Nebraska, she is focused on elevating the state’s policy presence, creating space for CIOs and CTOs to influence statewide conversations, and helping Nebraska position itself as a competitive and collaborative place for innovation.

Shonna and Emily reflect on the recent Tech Nebraska Summit, the growing demand for statewide advocacy, and the importance of alignment between Tech Nebraska, the Nebraska Tech Collaborative, AIM Institute, and partners across education, business, and government. They also explore how meaningful policy work, strong relationships, and a shared vision can accelerate innovation and opportunity for Nebraska tech.

This conversation is full of insight, energy, and clarity. Listen to hear where Nebraska tech is today and how policy and advocacy will influence the next chapter.