AI or Not

Welcome to "AI or Not," the podcast where we explore the intersection of digital transformation and real-world wisdom, hosted by the accomplished Pamela Isom. With over 25 years of experience guiding leaders in corporate, public, and private sectors, Pamela, the CEO and Founder of IsAdvice & Consulting LLC, is a veteran in successfully navigating the complex realms of artificial intelligence, innovation, cyber issues, governance, data management, and ethical decision-making.
Curious about the future of artificial intelligence in the realm of cybersecurity? We welcome Greg Sisson, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO), CI-Discern,a seasoned cyber executive with a remarkable 40-year career in public service, including the US Army and various government agencies. Greg takes us through his transition from government roles to entrepreneurship and shares the inspiring motivations behind co-founding CI Design. Learn how understanding an organization's mission and its stakeholders is crucial in navigating the risks and seizing the opportunities presented by digital transformation. Personal milestones, such as the birth of his granddaughter, also played a significant role in shaping Greg's career decisions.
Discover why data is the crown jewel of the AI era, surpassing the value of hardware and software. We discuss the pivotal roles of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and Chief Data Officers (CDOs) in protecting this invaluable asset. Hear Greg's insights on the importance of a collaborative approach between these roles to safeguard data effectively. Amid the rising tide of data breaches, maintaining consumer trust through timely and transparent communication is more important than ever. Don't miss out on learning about robust data loss prevention measures that every organization should prioritize to prevent breaches from becoming the norm.
Get ready to explore the dual-edged sword of AI technologies, from deep fakes to adversarial AI threats. We delve into the complexities of AI governance and compliance, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and human oversight to maintain ethical standards. Greg sheds light on the critical intersection of software bill of materials (SBOM) and AI, and the importance of securing language models against adversarial attacks. Finally, we discuss the shift from being the office of "no" to the office of "know," emphasizing the importance of collaboration, education, and a balanced approach to AI's benefits and challenges. Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of AI and digital transformation.

Welcome to "AI or Not," the podcast where we explore the intersection of digital transformation and real-world wisdom, hosted by the accomplished Pamela Isom. With over 25 years of experience guiding leaders in corporate, public, and private sectors, Pamela, the CEO and Founder of IsAdvice & Consulting LLC, is a veteran in successfully navigating the complex realms of artificial intelligence, innovation, cyber issues, governance, data management, and ethical decision-making.
What happens when a Java developer from IBM transitions into a leadership role at one of the nation's top universities? Join us as we chat with Kimberly Greene Starks, Executive Director of Digital Transformation and Digital Strategies at Vanderbilt University, who shares her incredible journey from hardware to software development and beyond. Kimberly talks about her unwavering dedication to innovation, the critical balance between technical skills and formal education, and the transformative power of continuous learning. She offers invaluable insights into developing essential communication and collaboration skills, which are pivotal for personal and professional growth.
Discover how emerging technologies like natural language processing (NLP) are revolutionizing the way universities manage IT service documents, saving time and resources while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human oversight. Kimberly discusses practical applications of these technologies and the importance of self-directed learning, encouraging everyone to take control of their educational path. This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories that highlight the significance of upskilling across communities and balancing technical prowess with higher education for both individual and societal advancement. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation!

Welcome to "AI or Not," the podcast where we explore the intersection of digital transformation and real-world wisdom, hosted by the accomplished Pamela Isom. With over 25 years of experience guiding leaders in corporate, public, and private sectors, Pamela, the CEO and Founder of IsAdvice & Consulting LLC, is a veteran in successfully navigating the complex realms of artificial intelligence, innovation, cyber issues, governance, data management, and ethical decision-making.

Discover the transformative power of digital evolution in this compelling episode of "AI or Not," featuring Tony Moroney, a leading authority on digital transformation. Throughout Tony’s storied career, from the financial sector to spearheading a digital transformation lab, he has championed the notion that true transformation hinges on human empowerment, not just technology. We'll unpack Tony’s invaluable insights on educating future leaders and navigating the often misunderstood landscape of digital transformation, sharing a wealth of knowledge on leveraging emerging technologies to overcome mission-critical challenges.

As we explore the intricate dance between AI and the workforce, you'll learn why AI should be seen as an augmentation tool rather than a replacement. We tackle the fears surrounding job displacement, emphasizing the importance of training, context, and involvement in fostering a secure and future-ready workforce. Tony and I emphasize that clear communication and engagement are key to helping employees understand the long-term benefits and opportunities AI and digital transformation can offer, turning apprehension into excitement and readiness for the future.

Leadership plays a crucial role in successful digital transformation, and this episode sheds light on the pivotal responsibilities of senior executives. We discuss bridging the gap between digital natives and middle management, removing silos, and ensuring responsible use of generative AI technologies like ChatGPT. Through strategic adoption and a focus on privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity, we provide a roadmap for creating a collaborative environment where technology serves as a true enabler of transformation. Join us for a journey filled with strategies, insights, and real-world applications to empower organizations to thrive in the digital age.

Welcome to "AI or Not," the podcast where we explore the intersection of digital transformation and real-world wisdom, hosted by the accomplished Pamela Isom. With over 25 years of experience guiding leaders in corporate, public, and private sectors, Pamela, the CEO and Founder of IsAdvice & Consulting LLC, is a veteran in successfully navigating the complex realms of artificial intelligence, innovation, cyber issues, governance, data management, and ethical decision-making.
Discover the nuanced landscape of AI economics with me, Pamela Isom, alongside my distinguished guest Leonard Lee, Executive Analyst & Founder nextCurve. Ever wondered if your business is chasing trends at the expense of true innovation? Leonard and I unpack this dilemma, reflecting on the pressures companies face from their boards to implement AI for competitive parity rather than differentiation. We raise a bold question: Are we prioritizing the appearance of advancement over actual progress as financial strains challenge AI pioneers like OpenAI?
Journey with us as we dissect the real versus perceived capabilities of AI technologies such as ChatGPT. Leonard and I scrutinize the initial promise versus the tangible outcomes experienced by businesses. We highlight the elusive nature of transparency in AI adoption and caution against "AI washing"—the rush to embrace AI without realizing its true benefits. Through vivid analogies, we illustrate how initial excitement can deflate and leave organizations grappling with unmet expectations, calling for a grounded understanding of AI's real-world applications.
In an era where data privacy is paramount, Leonard and I explore the delicate balance between harnessing AI for data aggregation and safeguarding user privacy. We share insights into the ethical considerations of default data collection settings and targeted advertising, making a compelling case for scrutinizing vendor practices to protect user information. Wrapping up, we examine the common pitfalls in project execution and stress the importance of aligning tech initiatives with their intended outcomes. Our conversation offers practical advice to steer clear of oversimplification, ensuring your digital transformation journey is both impactful and responsible.

Welcome to "AI or Not," the podcast where we explore the intersection of digital transformation and real-world wisdom, hosted by the accomplished Pamela Isom. With over 25 years of experience guiding leaders in corporate, public, and private sectors, Pamela, the CEO and Founder of IsAdvice & Consulting LLC, is a veteran in successfully navigating the complex realms of artificial intelligence, innovation, cyber issues, governance, data management, and ethical decision-making.

Can artificial intelligence revolutionize national security? Angela Sheffield, with her extensive background in applied mathematics and operations research, believes it can. In this episode of "AI or Not," Angela shares her extraordinary journey to pivotal roles at the US Department of Energy and the Department of Defense, offering us a front-row seat to the diverse applications of AI in defense. From streamlining administrative tasks to enhancing warfighting capabilities, Angela sheds light on how leveraging commercial AI advancements can significantly improve decision-making and operational efficiency both in the boardroom and on the battlefield.

Bridging the notorious "valley of death" in the national security science and technology sector is no small feat. Angela discusses the vital importance of recruiting talent from research institutions and reimagining internal teams and collaboration methods to ensure research continuity and practical implementation. She emphasizes the necessity of data-driven decision-making and the benefits of digital modernization and cloud technologies, particularly in observing and optimizing new capabilities. This conversation provides invaluable insights into the challenges of transitioning groundbreaking research from national laboratories to practical applications in the defense and federal space.

Trust in new technologies is essential, especially in the context of digital transformation in both military and civilian government sectors. Angela delves into the necessity for process changes and the importance of trust among soldiers and operators towards new technologies. The discussion extends to advancements in digital transformation within health and financial services, reflecting on the progress in governmental sectors outside of defense. By addressing complex problems through low-hanging fruit and leveraging resources effectively, Angela shares how significant progress can be made with strategic foresight and practical problem-solving approaches. Join us for this thought-provoking episode, where mission-driven efforts in AI and digital modernization are explored in depth.