ASCEND! with OATUG and OHUG - All Oracle Users Welcome!
Get your front-row seat for information about the Ascend 2025 conference and beyond. Join hosts Mohan Dutt (OATUG) and Carrie Hollack (OHUG) as they unpack all things Ascend all year long, leading up to OATUG and OHUG’s famous annual conference in 2025. Glean key takeaways on how to land a conference speaker spot, how to make the most of Ascend sessions, how to maximize what Oracle products can do for your organization, and how to make the most of your conference networking and connections. Get to know fascinating members of your Oracle users community in intimate podcast interviews—all hosted by Mohan Dutt and Carrie Hollack, each an Oracle expert with many years of Oracle users community experience. Facilitation is by Deborah Grant, Editor-at-Large of OATUG’s Insight Magazine. Tune in and ”Ascend” to new heights in your Oracle user and partner experience, available wherever you get your podcasts. Visit the Ascend 2025 conference website for more information at https://www.ascendusersconference.com. Ascend 2025 will be in Orlando, Florida, June 8-11th.

Elevate Your Oracle Experience
Dive into the world of Oracle with our exclusive podcast series, Ascend! With Carrie & Mohan, dedicated to guiding you through the Ascend Conference experience. We’ll help prepare you for Ascend 2025 in Orlando, June 8 - 11th, starting now and throughout the upcoming year!
Each episode is packed with tips, strategies, and updates to help you navigate the Ascend Conference landscape. Learn how to maximize your Oracle experience, from becoming a speaker at Ascend conferences to exploring all that our vibrant community of Oracle users and enthusiasts has to offer - at Ascend 2025 and beyond.
Meet Your Hosts:
Mohan Dutt (OATUG): Bringing insights from the Oracle Applications & Technology Users Group.
Carrie Hollack (OHUG): Sharing expertise from the Oracle HCM Users Group.
Deborah Grant Editor-at-Large, OATUG’s Insight Magazine, facilitating dynamic conversations.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
Tune in to the latest episode of "Ascend with Kerry and Mohan" for an inside look at the upcoming Ascend 2025 conference in Orlando, June 8 - 11th! Join Jason Genovese, IT Director at Garland Independent School District and ERP expert, as he shares his insights from the OATUG Customer Support Council, highlights must-attend E-Business Suite sessions—including strategy, enterprise command centers, AI integration, and data migration—and offers smart tips for navigating the exhibitor hall and connecting with vendors.
You’ll also hear from Gaurav Sehgal, Solution Architect at KloudStage and a 20-year Oracle veteran and HCM Cloud community co-chair, as he spotlights key HCM Cloud sessions, customer case studies, power hours, and the latest in AI-driven reporting. Gaurav brings his best advice for networking, volunteering, and making the most of the conference experience.
Don’t miss this essential guide for anyone attending—get expert strategies, session previews, and networking tips to help you ascend to new heights with Oracle in Orlando!
Friday May 09, 2025
Friday May 09, 2025
In this engaging episode of Ascend! with Carrie and Mohan, we sit down with OATUG President Brian Pellegrin and OHUG President Tim Stofka to discuss the dynamic landscape of our Oracle user groups and the pivotal role of community in today’s hybrid work environment. They provide a comprehensive overview of what attendees can expect at Ascend 2025, taking place from June 8–11 at the luxurious Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Ascend 2025 promises a rich agenda filled with educational sessions, networking opportunities, and insights into the latest Oracle technologies. Whether you’re an IT professional, business analyst, or HR specialist, this conference offers valuable takeaways to enhance your Oracle journey. Brian and Tim emphasize the unique benefits of attending in person, from hands-on workshops to face-to-face interactions with industry experts.
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your Oracle experience. Learn more and register at ascendusersconference.com.
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
Beth McLaughlin, Director of Organizational Change Management at UHY’s Transformation Practice, shares sharp insights on navigating organizational change. Discover what it takes to lead with clarity in chaotic times—and how attending Ascend 2025 can give you the foresight and tools to stay ahead.
Friday Mar 28, 2025
Friday Mar 28, 2025
We’re joined by Nadia Bendjedou, Vice President of Product Strategy for Oracle E-Business Suite, and Mike Jones, Director of Education at OATUG—plus so much more! Don’t miss this episode packed with insider insights on Oracle, educational sessions, and hands-on workshops coming to Ascend 2025, happening June 8–11, 2025.
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
In this episode, Carrie and Mohan interview Manjula Ganapathi, ERP Solutions Architect at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, and Sara Bragg, VP of Partner Success at Flexspring, about their contributions to the Oracle community. Manjula and Sara both share their Oracle journey and highlight the importance of user groups in fostering collaboration and innovation, particularly for making the most of your ASCEND 2025 experience.
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Ascend! with Carrie & Mohan is soaring into Season 2, Episode 9, and this one’s packed with insider insights!
We’re thrilled to welcome Paul Ingallinera, Learning Technology Leader and HCM expert at OHUG, along with Ravikanth Prabhu, Oracle ACE and OATUG Board Member, for a reflection on the power of the Oracle users community.
Curious about the Ascend conference experience—from speaking on stage to the fun networking parties? We’re covering it all!
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Join us today for an exciting episode featuring our regular hosts, Carrie and Mohan, and special guest Manish Naik, Industry Principal and Director of Industry Solutions at Infosys, and an Oracle Ace Director! Together, they’ll dive into the topic of Emerging Leaders—one of OATUG’s most active groups—and explore the critical pillar of professional development.
It’s not enough to just know technology; we also need to master communication and collaboration. Manish shares insights from his impressive career path and his approach to encouraging others to grow and thrive. #oatug #oracle #ascend2025 @oatug
Friday Dec 27, 2024
Friday Dec 27, 2024
Join us for a fun 2024 year-end reflection on some of the amazing happenings in the Oracle universe this year, featuring special guest Kate Helmer, Oracle Ace Director and Senior Director at Huron. We’ll discuss the impact of AI, how rapidly the world has changed for Oracle users everywhere, and the opportunities these changes bring—all with a sense of awe at where AI will lead us and, most importantly, where we will lead AI. Where can you experience more of these vibrant conversations for yourself...in person? At Ascend 2025 in Orlando, June 8-11th. www.ascendusersconference.com.
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Join Carrie, Mohan, and Mike Jones, Director of Education at OATUG, as they share how you can become a speaker at the world-renowned Ascend Conference! Ascend 2025 will take place in Orlando, Florida, from June 8-11 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. Connect with Oracle users from around the globe, elevate your career, and gain recognition by presenting to your peers. Accepted speakers enjoy an impressive resume boost, valuable business connections, new friendships, and a significant discount on conference fees. We make the process simple—tune in to learn more!
Friday Dec 06, 2024
Friday Dec 06, 2024
Join hosts Carrie and Mohan as they explore the world of the Oracle ACE Program with two extraordinary guests: Jennifer Nicholson, the driving force behind the Oracle ACE initiative, and Mia Urman, an inspiring Oracle ACE Director. Discover the secrets to becoming an Oracle ACE, the impact of community contributions, and how this program empowers Oracle leaders worldwide. Whether you’re an Oracle enthusiast or just curious about what it takes to ascend to ACE status, this episode is a must-listen!