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PODCAST

Start At Zero

Abhijit Verekar

Start at Zero is a conversation-first podcast about what it actually takes to modernize technology, build a business from scratch, and make sense of AI without the hype. Episodes range from focused 15-minute interviews with government leaders and tech founders to longer deep dives where I walk through what I"m building in real time - the AI agents, the automation stack, the hard lessons from 20 years of consulting.The tone is direct and honest. I don"t do scripted questions or softball setups. I

business

All Episodes

29:21

What’s a Realistic Timeline for Public Sector...

Start At Zero ·

2025/10/16

Every city wants transformation fast—but is faster always better? In this episode of Untangled, Megan Seaton and Robert Kornovich break down what it really takes to modernize a public agency. From readiness assessments to vendor negotiations to go-live dates, they unpack the realities that determine project timelines—and why change management often matters more than technology itself. If you’ve ever wondered why projects get delayed or why vendors push aggressive timelines, this one’s for you...

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84:49

Modern Policing & Data-Driven Leadership: A...

Start At Zero ·

2025/10/03

In this episode of Untangled, Avero Advisors CEO Abhijit Verekar sits down with Chief Paul Noel, Knoxville’s 27th Chief of Police, to explore how visionary leadership and technology are reshaping modern policing. Knoxville Police Department Website: https://knoxvilletnpolice.gov/ Chief Noel, who joined KPD in 2022 after more than 25 years with the New Orleans Police Department, has led one of the most dramatic public safety turnarounds in the country. Under his leadership, Knoxville has seen ...

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49:42

From Benchmarks to Predictive SIS: The Future of...

Start At Zero ·

2025/10/02

This episode of Untangled explores how student data is moving beyond static benchmarks toward predictive insights that can actually guide educators, counselors, and families. We discuss: Why legacy SIS platforms limit progressHow AI can support counselors facing 500:1 caseloadsThe role of predictive analytics in identifying at-risk students earlierWhy governance and privacy must guide every stepThe future of student data isn’t just reports—it’s actionable insight that supports students, famil...

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16:30

From Disaster to Best Practices: Lessons in...

Start At Zero ·

2025/09/25

ERP projects don’t have to end in disaster. While some agencies struggle with payroll crises and costly failures, others—like Atlanta—prove that success is possible when leaders follow proven principles. In this episode of Untangled, we explore: Why proven platforms outperform custom buildsThe critical role of stakeholder engagement and data qualityHow process improvement and domain expertise prevent failureThe $55 million lesson from San Francisco’s payroll disasterThe difference between fai...

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39:15

2026 Paradigm Shifts: Rethinking Government ERP...

Start At Zero ·

2025/09/18

The landscape of government ERP is shifting fast. As agencies look ahead to 2026, it’s clear the old frameworks for selection, contracts, and implementation no longer fit today’s realities. From AI maturity and workforce expectations to reporting, training, and procurement models, the next wave of ERP projects requires a fundamentally different approach. In this episode, we break down the paradigm shifts agencies must understand to reduce risk, avoid costly failures, and build systems that tr...

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27:54

ERP Contracts Uncovered: Avoiding the Fine Print Traps

Start At Zero ·

2025/09/11

Once you sign an ERP contract, your leverage is gone. So why are so many public-sector agencies still rushing that moment? In this episode of Untangled, Megan sits down with Avero Project Manager Billie to unpack the realities of ERP contract negotiation. They share insights from the field—including current client stories—and reveal the most overlooked (and costly) missteps. You’ll learn: Why “go-live” must be clearly defined—by you, not the vendorHow to structure milestone-based payment term...

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46:16

Modern Finance in Government: AI, Strategy & the...

Start At Zero ·

2025/09/04

From ARPA funds to AI, the role of government finance leaders is shifting—and fast. In this episode of Untangled, the Avero team breaks down the trends shaping the future of public-sector finance, strategy, and modernization. Fresh off the GFOA conference, they dive into what’s real, what’s just buzz, and how CFOs and finance professionals can stay ahead. You’ll learn: Why AI interest is rising—but implementation still needs human oversightHow the Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA) is dri...

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42:38

Procurement Politics: How to Keep Vendor Selection...

Start At Zero ·

2025/08/28

Procurement isn’t just paperwork—it’s politics. And if you don’t manage it strategically, your entire ERP project could be compromised. In this episode of Untangled, the Avero team digs into the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shape fair vendor selection—and what public agencies can do to stay above reproach. You’ll learn: How to avoid RFP language that favors one vendorWhy Phase 0 discovery builds better, more neutral requirementsWhat it really means to be vendor agnostic (and how to spot re...

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38:10

Define Success Before You Fund It: Project Scope Done...

Start At Zero ·

2025/08/21

In this episode of Untangled, Megan and Robert Karnovitch walk through one of the biggest blind spots in ERP and modernization projects: vague or one-sided scopes that lead to underbudgeting, delays, and rework. You’ll learn: Why single-author scopes create alignment problemsHow executive turnover can pause projects midstreamWhat to ask before inserting a number in your capital budgetWhy internal resource planning is more important than people thinkHow to use RFIs and assessments to clarify s...

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40:28

EAM in Focus: Strategic Asset Management for Modern...

Start At Zero ·

2025/08/14

What does it take to modernize how governments manage roads, bridges, buildings—and everything in between? In this episode of Untangled, Avero Advisors CEO Abhijit Verekar sits down with Associate Consultant Caleb Cruz to break down the complexities, opportunities, and overlooked challenges in modern Enterprise Asset Management (EAM). Tune in for an insider look at: Why EAM is more than just work orders—it’s strategic financial stewardshipHow GIS, mobile access, and asset hierarchies impact i...

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28:47

AI & GovTech: The Race to Do It Right

Start At Zero ·

2025/08/07

In this episode of Untangled, AV sits down with Muddu Sudhakar, AI thought leader and Microsoft executive, to explore what it really means to lead in the age of artificial intelligence—from space-based data centers to responsible AI adoption in local government. They unpack the realities behind the "AI race": rapid innovation, vendor hype, overwhelmed agencies, and the hidden costs of chasing shiny tools without a strategy. Learn why the real path to dominance isn't about speed—it's about ser...

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42:02

AI’s Tipping Point: July’s Seismic Shifts in GovTech

Start At Zero ·

2025/07/31

In this solo episode, AV breaks down what made July 2025 a defining moment in AI and government technology. From the release of Grok-4 and the anticipated rollout of GPT-5 to massive infrastructure investments and evolving federal AI policy—this update is packed with insight. We also explore local government use cases, smart city wins, and why the public sector must start with strategy before chasing tools. If you're navigating modernization, procurement, or policy—this one's for you. 👉

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29:21

Timelines, Trust & Transformation: What It Really...

Start At Zero ·

2025/07/24

ERP projects don’t fail because of software—they fail because of unrealistic timelines, poor planning, and missing advocacy. In this episode of Untangled, Avero’s Abhijit Verekar and Robert Kornovich unpack the real drivers behind successful (and unsuccessful) digital transformation efforts in the public sector. From misunderstood sunset dates to go-live myths, this conversation goes deep on: What a “realistic” transformation timeline actually looks likeThe overlooked role of change managemen...

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46:16

Modernizing Government Finance: Insights from GFOA 2025

Start At Zero ·

2025/07/17

What’s really driving the future of government finance? In this episode of Untangled, Avero’s Megan Seaton, Abhijit Verekar, and David Buchan share raw, real-time insights from the 2025 GFOA Annual Conference. From AI tools that promise the moon to procurement teams overwhelmed by legacy processes, this episode unpacks what public finance leaders are thinking—and what’s actually working. We cover: The AI hype vs. reality in ERP modernizationWhy procurement and IT strategy must evolve together...

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30:37

GFOA 2025: What Public Finance Leaders Are Really...

Start At Zero ·

2025/07/10

Live from the GFOA 2025 conference, Avero Advisors recaps the real-world challenges, surprising confessions, and hard-earned lessons shared by finance leaders from across the country. In this special episode, AV and team break down the biggest themes heard on the floor: from outdated RFPs and missed reporting requirements to contract missteps and go-live confusion. You’ll hear: What’s going wrong in ERP projects (straight from our confessional wall)How to rethink your RFP process to actually ...

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55:16

Public Good, Private Code: AI Ethics in Local Government

Start At Zero ·

2025/07/03

AI in government isn’t just about automation—it’s about ethics, accountability, and public trust. In this episode of Untangled, we sit down with Tom Gilbert, CEO of Hortise.AI and one of the world’s first PhDs in AI Ethics, to explore the very real consequences of putting artificial intelligence to work in the public sector. From invisible bias in automated tools to the danger of vendor lock-in, we examine why values like transparency, explainability, and civic oversight matter more than ever...

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48:56

GovTech Unfiltered: Live Q&A with Abhijit Verekar

Start At Zero ·

2025/06/12

In this candid live session, Avero Advisors CEO Abhijit Verekar pulls back the curtain on the realities of public sector transformation. From vaporware promises in ERP demos to project red flags leadership often misses, this Q&A tackles the real questions local government leaders are asking—but don’t always get straight answers to. AV breaks down vendor myths, how to push back without burning bridges, the human cost of poor change management, and why in-person trust still matters in a pos...

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26:42

Retaining Trust & Fueling Growth – The New Era of...

Start At Zero ·

2025/05/29

What does real partnership look like in government modernization? In this episode of Untangled, Avero’s VP of Client Success, Robert Kornovich, joins Megan Seaton to unpack what it takes to build lasting, trust-based relationships between public agencies and their vendors. From defining success beyond buzzwords like “ERP,” to navigating the politics behind transformation, Robert shares stories from the frontlines of public sector consulting—including one where a mayor handed him $3M and a sin...

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24:31

The Future of AI for Constituent Services & CRM for...

Start At Zero ·

2025/05/22

AI is a powerful tool in CRM, but how does it actually contribute to revenue growth? In this live session, Parth Shah, CEO of Polimorphic, will discuss how AI can convert customer data into tangible, measurable revenue. We’ll explore how AI enhances customer insights and streamlines sales processes, focusing on the practical ways it drives growth and impacts your bottom line. If you're looking to turn your CRM into a true revenue generator, this session is one you won't want to miss. 📅 Let’s

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66:06

Jan Baan on Microservices, AI, and the Future of...

Start At Zero ·

2025/04/17

In this episode of Untangled, Jan Baan — the legendary founder of Baan Company and pioneer in enterprise software — unpacks the deep flaws of today’s ERP systems. From the rise of microservices to the misuse of RFPs and the myth of SaaS perfection, Jan calls for a smarter, more flexible future for public sector technology. He dives into how governments can modernize without vendor lock-in, how AI should serve the user (not the vendor), and why the “job to be done” mindset is the path fo...

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118 results

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