S2 Episode 2 - Joe Apps

On Season 2, Episode 2 of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with Joe Apps, visionary entrepreneur, technology leader, and founder of Joe Apps Technology Support - a managed IT services company empowering businesses across Canada to thrive in an increasingly complex digital world.Joe’s entrepreneurial journey began early - from running a neighbourhood candy store as a kid to launching an electronics refurbishment business in Downtown Hamilton while studying Computer Systems Technology and Software Development at Mohawk College. That first leap sparked what would become a decade-long mission to help businesses advance their lives through technology.Today, Joe Apps Technology Support serves hundreds of organizations nationwide, providing managed IT, cybersecurity, and operational support for businesses with 15–250 users. But this conversation goes far beyond tech.In this candid and deeply human episode, Joe spills the tea on:Celebrating 10 years in business and why he intentionally narrowed his client base from over 1,200 to focus on alignment and excellenceThe hard lesson that “not everyone is your client” and how saying no unlocked sustainable growthHis bold vision to secure 30,000 Joe-managed devices by 2030, and what that goal actually representsLeadership missteps, emotional reactivity, and the personal work required to become a better leaderA costly early failure rooted in misplaced trust - and why contracts, boundaries, and accountability matterThe future of AI, cybersecurity, and who is most at risk of being left behind in an AI-driven economyWhy creativity, compassion, and human connection will matter more than ever as technology acceleratesAnd the personal turning point that changed everything: learning to put himself first, invest in self-care, and lead from a full batteryJoe also offers sharp insight into the realities of cybersecurity complacency, the dangers of blind trust in AI, and why technology should always remain a tool... not a replacement for critical thinking.This episode is an honest look at entrepreneurship, leadership evolution, and what it takes to scale without losing your humanity. Episode 2 - Building Smart, Leading Human: Joe Apps on Tech, Trust, AI, and the Courage to Scale with IntegrityStreaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E. Connect with Joe Apps and lean more about Joe Apps Technology Support at joeapps.ca and follow Joe’s journey and insights on Instagram: @itsjoeapps. And, don't forget to support businesses that invest in security, people, and community impact! That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend. Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every second Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest. A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic. Until next time, keep stirring the pot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.