Meet Our Cloud Wars Tech Analysts

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Cloud Wars Founder Bob Evans actively analyzes the Cloud and AI categories through video reports, in-depth analyses, and interviews with the Cloud and AI market’s leaders and innovators. He’s also the creator of the Cloud Wars Top 10, a ranking and ongoing analysis of the world's most influential tech companies driving digital business and the digital economy. Bob is recognized as a world-class strategic communicator focused on emerging business strategy, disruptive innovation, and forward-looking leadership.

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John Siefert is the CEO of Dynamics Communities and Cloud Wars, where he leads the strategic direction, business, and community-based focus of the organization by collaborating with colleagues, customers, partners, and friends. Prior to DCI, Siefert has worked in multiple leadership positions, including President roles at Questex and Informa, SVP at UBM, CMO at STYR Labs, and CEO at Virgo, LLC. Siefert’s passion for creating unique content, community, and event-based programming has helped to build some of the largest media brands in the B2B market, serving the business technology and health/nutrition categories. In his personal life, Siefert is a father of two, married to the love of his life, and digs beaches, barbecues, boats, astrophysics, and road-tripping.

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Crystal Ahrens is a seasoned force to be reckoned with in the realm of technology solutions. With a remarkable 18-year track record as a Solution Architect, Delivery Program Director, and Technical Project Manager, she consistently delivers exceptional results in every role she undertakes. Her accomplishments speak volumes, showcasing her expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence. With unrivaled expertise in ERP, CRM, AI, and Business Application Solutions, Crystal has revolutionized industries including manufacturing, retail pharmacy, oil & gas, banking, and construction. She excels at building strong relationships with users and partners from diverse backgrounds, fostering trust and collaboration. Driven by an unwavering commitment to progress and perfection, Crystal passionately optimizes businesses and revitalizes applications. Her relentless pursuit of excellence leaves a lasting impact on the industry. Crystal Ahrens is synonymous with innovation and triumph in the ever-evolving technology landscape.

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Kieron Allen is a Cloud Wars Analyst examining innovations in, and the future impact of, the latest AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and data technology developments. In his ongoing analyses and video reports, Allen focuses on the platforms, applications, people, and ideas that will mold our digital future. After serving as the Online Editor for BBC Sky at Night Magazine and as the Editorial Assistant for BBC Focus Magazine, Kieron became a freelance journalist in 2015 where his focus on the business technology market became a key passion. Kieron partners with technology start-ups and organizations that share his interests in science, social affairs, non-profit work, fashion and the arts.

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Manny Korakis is a Cloud Wars Analyst with extensive expertise in how cloud, AI, and data technologies are reshaping business operations and financial strategies. As a seasoned financial executive with global experience, he has led major initiatives in finance, accounting, and operations across industries like IT services, life sciences, and financial services. His work in finance function optimization, mergers and acquisitions, and enterprise risk management offers valuable insights into the financial impact of emerging technologies. Manny helps organizations navigate the future of digital finance and corporate transformation.

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Chris Hughes is a Cloud Wars Analyst focusing on the critical intersection of cloud technology and cybersecurity. As co-founder and CEO of Aquia, Chris draws on nearly 20 years of IT and cybersecurity experience across both public and private sectors, including service with the U.S. Air Force and leadership roles within FedRAMP. In addition to his work in the field, Chris is an adjunct professor in cybersecurity and actively contributes to industry groups like the Cloud Security Alliance. His expertise and certifications in cloud security for AWS and Azure help organizations navigate secure cloud migrations and transformations.

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Joanna Martinez is a Cloud Wars Analyst specializing in procurement and supply chain transformation. As founder of Supply Chain Advisors LLC, Joanna empowers individuals and organizations to achieve their transformational goals by leveraging technology, engaging stakeholders, and optimizing processes. With extensive experience leading initiatives across diverse sectors, including consumer products, pharmaceuticals, and financial services, she provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of supply chain management. Joanna advises two technology startups and a professional services firm while also contributing to the School of Engineering at Rutgers University. Recognized as a Top Global Influencer and Thought Leader by Thinkers360, her book, A Guide to Positive Disruption, offers a framework for success in navigating business transformation.

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Kenny Mullican is a Cloud Wars Analyst focusing on cloud and AI strategy. As the current CIO of Paragon Films, Kenny analyzes the impact of technology on driving business, process, and customer value for mid-market companies. With expertise in automation, enterprise information architecture, and security, he offers valuable insights through his contributions, helping organizations leverage technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in their operations.

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Wayne Sadin, a Cloud Wars analyst focused on board strategy, has had a 30-year IT career spanning logistics, financial services, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, direct-response marketing, construction, consulting, and technology. He’s been CIO, CTO, CDO, an advisor to CEOs and boards, Angel Investor, and independent director at firms ranging from start-ups to multinationals.

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  Contact Tom Smith ...

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Bringing his experiences as a 4x CEO, Tony provides a leadership analyst perspective to Cloud Wars. He’s an award-winning technology, data, digital media and marketing services executive specializing in transformative leadership of companies, cultures, people, and organizational performance. As an industry thought leader and an expert on the digital industrial economy, Tony is regularly quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Business Insider, and other top media brands. He advises senior management and boards of media, marketing, and technology companies as the CEO and founder of Uphoff Management Advisory, LLC. He serves as a Trustee of Linfield University and a mentor at MuckerLabs accelerator. Additionally, Tony has been a Senior Advisor to the CEO and executive team at Xometry, a publicly traded, on-demand manufacturing marketplace. In December 2021, he led the turnaround, growth, and successful sale of Thomasnet.com to Xometry for $300 million.

  Contact Tony Uphoff ...

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Scott Vaughan is a Cloud Wars analyst focusing on the Chief Marketing Officer and marketing’s role and contribution to this massive business movement. He shares his perspective, ideas, and examples of what marketing is and can do to drive impact at a time when the pace of change is rampant and the stakes are high for companies and employees alike. Scott is a B2B CMO and go-to-market leader with a belief in collaboratively building business, expanding markets, accelerating growth, and developing impactful teams that create value. He continuously evolves his GTM playbook as the B2B buying-selling process changes because marketing must change with it. As a B2B CMO, Scott has learned that creating scalable companies and revenue starts with impactful GTM strategies that exploit big market shifts, like the Cloud Wars movement, bullseye customer pains (realized or not), crafting and delivering high-impact programs, and being accountable to measurable goals and metrics.

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In addition to keeping up with the latest in AI and corporate innovation, Toni Witt co-founded Sweet, a startup redefining hospitality through zero-fee payments infrastructure. He also runs a nonprofit community of young entrepreneurs, influencers, and change-makers called GENESIS. Toni brings his analyst perspective to Cloud Wars on AI, machine learning, and other related innovative technologies.

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