In this episode of Patch Me If You Can, Arek Dreyer welcomes Aaron Morin, currently the GM of Platform at Kandji and formerly the lead mobility engineer at Nike. Aaron’s diverse experience—both in hands-on IT engineering at a global corporation and at the strategic leadership table—sets the stage for a candid discussion about modern IT challenges and opportunities. His background gives him a unique perspective on how technical teams collaborate, adapt, and innovate in organizations where the complexity of systems can be overwhelming.
The conversation delves deep into topics like cross-functional teamwork, the nuances of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) programs, and the massive importance of communication in IT. Aaron shares real-world anecdotes, such as the surprising number of teams needed to launch initiatives like digital whiteboards and the perils of not communicating changes to end users—pitfalls that can erode trust and sabotage even the best-engineered solutions. They touch on frustrations with constraining tools, advocating for technology that adapts to people (not the other way around), and the urgent need for IT leaders to embrace change, whether that means trying out new AI-powered tools or establishing robust observability practices.
A standout story details how Aaron’s team transformed a paper-based onboarding process into a digital experience with iPads, which significantly boosted employee satisfaction by removing friction and improving training. Throughout, both Arek and Aaron continually return to the theme that communication, collaboration, and proactive data use are critical for IT success in an era of rapid change and increasing reliance on AI. The episode offers a blend of practical advice and high-level perspective, making it a valuable listen for anyone looking to lead or modernize IT in their organization.