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Listen "#14 – Work-Life Integration"
Episode Synopsis
SUMMARY
In this episode, I talk with Allan Jaffe, VP of Technology at Top Speed Data, about his 40+ year career in telecom and tech. We cover what it means to be a technology advisor, how his team helps businesses solve problems without extra cost, and why cybersecurity is more important than ever. Allan also shares thoughts on work-life balance, daily routines, and how perspective and kindness go a long way in business and life.
A Career Built on Adaptability & Relationships 00:00:48
Allan shares his journey from earning an economics degree at UC Davis to building a career in telecom and technology
Early work at Pacific Bell, experience in operations, then a shift to sales and leadership
How Top Speed Data formed: a group of former colleagues reuniting to launch a client-first technology advisory firm
The evolution of the industry: from black rotary phones to full-stack cloud solutions
The Business of Technology Advising 00:03:34
What a "technology advisor" really does
Why the independent broker model is a win-win for clients and providers
How Top Speed Data helps businesses find the right tech solutions without added cost
The team’s hands-on, community-centered, service-first approach
Common client challenges and how Allan and his team solve them
Routines, Success, and Work-Life Integration 00:08:18
Allan’s morning routine: early starts, dog walking, and focused deep work
How he structures his day and week for maximum impact
The importance of flexible work to show up for family
Reflections on “work-life integration” over the elusive idea of “balance”
The role of perspective and gratitude in staying grounded
Industry Insights & Common Missteps 00:18:25
The biggest risks
How ransomware attacks often target small and medium businesses
The growing threat of ransomware-as-a-service and data leaks on the dark web
Advice to companies: security is no longer optional, even for SMBs
Why Allan believes in doing what it takes to support both his clients and his family
Books, Reflections & Bonus Wisdom Book Recommendations 00:36:29
Nuts! by Herb Kelleher – customer service and culture at Southwest Airlines
Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin – lessons from presidential history
Unapologetically Ambitious by Shellye Archambeau – breaking barriers for women and minorities
Thoughts on perspective, resilience, and why even difficult jobs are a privilege
How growing up with strong family values and immigrant roots shaped his work ethic
The importance of hobbies, hiking, community, and... walking his wife's dog
Links
Allan Jaffe - LinkedIn | Top Speed LinkedIn | Website
Jonathan Mahrt – LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
If you enjoyed our discussion, please rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful conversations with inspiring guests. Until next time, keep building momentum in your personal and professional lives!
In this episode, I talk with Allan Jaffe, VP of Technology at Top Speed Data, about his 40+ year career in telecom and tech. We cover what it means to be a technology advisor, how his team helps businesses solve problems without extra cost, and why cybersecurity is more important than ever. Allan also shares thoughts on work-life balance, daily routines, and how perspective and kindness go a long way in business and life.
A Career Built on Adaptability & Relationships 00:00:48
Allan shares his journey from earning an economics degree at UC Davis to building a career in telecom and technology
Early work at Pacific Bell, experience in operations, then a shift to sales and leadership
How Top Speed Data formed: a group of former colleagues reuniting to launch a client-first technology advisory firm
The evolution of the industry: from black rotary phones to full-stack cloud solutions
The Business of Technology Advising 00:03:34
What a "technology advisor" really does
Why the independent broker model is a win-win for clients and providers
How Top Speed Data helps businesses find the right tech solutions without added cost
The team’s hands-on, community-centered, service-first approach
Common client challenges and how Allan and his team solve them
Routines, Success, and Work-Life Integration 00:08:18
Allan’s morning routine: early starts, dog walking, and focused deep work
How he structures his day and week for maximum impact
The importance of flexible work to show up for family
Reflections on “work-life integration” over the elusive idea of “balance”
The role of perspective and gratitude in staying grounded
Industry Insights & Common Missteps 00:18:25
The biggest risks
How ransomware attacks often target small and medium businesses
The growing threat of ransomware-as-a-service and data leaks on the dark web
Advice to companies: security is no longer optional, even for SMBs
Why Allan believes in doing what it takes to support both his clients and his family
Books, Reflections & Bonus Wisdom Book Recommendations 00:36:29
Nuts! by Herb Kelleher – customer service and culture at Southwest Airlines
Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin – lessons from presidential history
Unapologetically Ambitious by Shellye Archambeau – breaking barriers for women and minorities
Thoughts on perspective, resilience, and why even difficult jobs are a privilege
How growing up with strong family values and immigrant roots shaped his work ethic
The importance of hobbies, hiking, community, and... walking his wife's dog
Links
Allan Jaffe - LinkedIn | Top Speed LinkedIn | Website
Jonathan Mahrt – LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
If you enjoyed our discussion, please rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful conversations with inspiring guests. Until next time, keep building momentum in your personal and professional lives!
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