Tech Transforms

• Episode 109: Brewing AI: Tricks, Treats & Tech Myths (Chills & Thrills Finale)

  For our Halloween finale, Carolyn Ford invites two favorite “AI conjurers”, Dave Egts “Mr. X,” public-sector field CTO at Mulesoft, and Laura Klebanow, founder & chief storyteller at Show & Tell, into the Tech Transforms cauldron. Each brings a “secret AI ingredient”: Carolyn composes whimsical Suno-generated theme music (after a prompt-crafting detour through ChatGPT), Laura pushes image creation and Gemini’s career-planner for playful, practical use, and Dave reimagines Gemini’s children’s-storybook gem to craft customer-hero narratives, plus a Scooby-Doo-style Tech Transforms tale. Then we stir in the shadows: misinformation at scale, AI “rights,” bioethics (organoids/bodyoids), job disruption vs. reskilling, and how creativity can demystify AI without sugarcoating risks. The trio closes with rapid-fire “treats & tricks,” classroom-to-boardroom starter tips (talk with AI, don’t just query it; red-team your ideas), and a reminder to “find your beautiful” use the tools to clear the junk so humans can do what only humans do. Brewed takeaways * Prompt craft matters; collaborate across tools (Suno, Gemini, ChatGPT). * Creative play ≠ fluff: it’s a safe on-ramp to literacy and adoption. * AI will change jobs; map “jobs to be done,” automate the rote, upskill the rest. * Ethics aren’t optional: teach harm awareness early (mis/dis/malinformation, bullying). * Start small today: keep a running dialogue with AI and build a personal “advisory board” of model personas. **Show Notes: Dave Egts - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidegts/ Laura Klebanow - Email: [email protected] - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraklebanow/ Suno - https://suno.com/ My storybook: https://g.co/gemini/share/56bbf0498a84 Dave & Gunner Show: www.dgshow.org

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• Episode 108: The Curious Case of AI - Part 2 ('The Thrills)

  In the “Thrills” side of our Halloween series, host Carolyn Ford and futurist Joseph Bradley shift from fear to possibility, exploring how AI can amplify human potential and unlock joy at scale. Bradley introduces the “happiness paradigm,” the idea that AI’s true value isn’t just about productivity, but about helping people find more meaning, connection, and time for what matters most. From digital “twins” that make leaders more effective, to AI tools that give disabled creators new ways to express themselves, to cognitive cities designed around citizens rather than assets, this is AI as an amplifier of identity and humanity. Instead of focusing on what we might lose, Bradley shows how leaders and organizations can build trust, align AI with values, and use it to create more satisfying workplaces, communities, and lives. If the “Chills” episode raised the hard questions, this one paints the vision of what’s possible when we get it right. Mentioned in this episode: Joseph Bradley - www.josephmbradley.com Joseph Bradley’s book You to the Power of 2 (Pre-order: josephmbradley.com | ​​https://shop.u-x2.ai/) The Happiness Paradigm- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/josephmbradley_happiness-successmindset-activity-7284796402122072065-Gl68/

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• Episode 107: The Curious Case of AI - Part 1 (The Chills)

  The Curious Case of AI - A Two-Part Special (“The Chills”) In this Tech Transforms Halloween “Chills” episode, host Carolyn Ford and futurist Joseph Bradley explore the eerie, but essential, questions AI raises. Using Star Trek as their guide, they look at how “identic AI”, technology that mirrors identity, preferences, and even purpose can feel both thrilling and unsettling. Bradley, a strong believer in AI’s potential, points out that every powerful tool comes with risks if it’s misused. Together, he and Carolyn discuss what happens when efficiency is valued over happiness, how bias can creep in if we aren’t intentional, and why cognitive cities must be built with trust and ethics at the core. Think less “the end is near” and more “what safeguards do we need to make sure this future works for people?” This episode sets the stage for leaders, innovators, and everyday users to think critically about how AI shapes identity, relationships, and society, while remembering that the choices we make now will decide whether the future feels like The Borg… or The Federation. Mentioned in this episode: Joseph Bradley’s book U to the Power of 2 (Pre-order: josephmbradley.com | ​​https://shop.u-x2.ai/) Paperclip dilemma thought experiment - https://nickbostrom.com/ethics/ai Smart vs. Cognitive Cities https://www.pwc.com/m1/en/publications/documents/cognitive-cities-a-journey-to-intelligent-urbanism.pdf Questioneering: The New Model for Innovative Leaders in the Digital Age

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• Episode 106: Influence, Intel, and Insider Threats: The Human Side of Cyber Risk

  In this episode, host Carolyn Ford sits down with Julie Laurin, a cyber threat intelligence consultant with the Mining and Metals ISAC. Julie brings two decades of expertise in software, a sharp eye for overlooked risks, and a deep curiosity about the intersection of humans and technology. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of cyber threats, from social engineering tactics like the Clickfix malware to the critical role of human behavior in cybersecurity. Julie shares fascinating insights into the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure, the geopolitical implications of mining and minerals, and the challenges of navigating leadership as a woman in tech. They also dive into the neurodiverse superpowers that thrive in the fast-paced world of cybersecurity and the importance of empathy in the digital age. With humor, candor, and thought-provoking anecdotes, this episode will leave you rethinking the way we approach technology, security, and the human element. Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts enlightening and entertaining. Stay curious and keep imagining the future! Summary Notes Julie’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlaurin/ Mining and Metals ISAC - https://mmisac.org/ ClickFix Analysis - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/08/21/think-before-you-clickfix-analyzing-the-clickfix-social-engineering-technique/ ISO/IEC 27001 - https://www.iso.org/standard/27001

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• Episode 105: From Compliance to Capability: Securing the Federal Software Supply Chain in the Age of AI

  On this episode of Tech Transforms, host Carolyn Ford welcomes Antoine Harden, Regional VP of Federal at Sonatype, to unpack one of the most urgent challenges in federal cybersecurity: securing the software supply chain. With more than 25 years of experience at Oracle, Google, and now Sonatype, Antoine shares why software supply chain risks from SolarWinds to Log4j have pushed SBOMs (Software Bills of Materials) and continuous monitoring into the spotlight. Together, they break down what SBOMs are (think nutrition labels for software), how mandates like Executive Order 14028 and frameworks like NIST’s Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) and DoD’s SWFT are changing the compliance landscape, and why automation is essential to get from static ATOs to continuous authorization. Antoine also explains how Sonatype uses AI and software composition analysis tools to close critical gaps in open source and AI-heavy environments, helping agencies shift left, reduce vulnerabilities, and accelerate secure delivery of mission-critical systems. Along the way, the conversation covers everything from JFK delays caused by vulnerabilities, to the risks of “ludicrous speed” AI adoption, to the surprising history of Project Pigeon in WWII. For federal leaders ready to take action, Antoine offers one concrete step: start with a single mission-critical application, mandate an SBOM, and see what hidden risks you uncover. Show Notes: Connect with Antoine https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoine-harden-mba-035a441/ Executive Order 14028 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/05/17/2021-10460/improving-the-nations-cybersecurity)NIST Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) (https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/specialpublications/nist.sp.800-218.pdf) CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model (https://www.cisa.gov/zero-trust-maturity-model) DoD’s SWFT (Software Fast Track Initiative) (https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4174350/software-fast-track-initiative/) Sonatype Resource Center (https://www.sonatype.com/resources?_gl=1*1jtfn7r*_up*MQ..*_ga*Mzc1ODU4NTM3LjE3NTYzMTc3NTc.*_ga_3W70E95Z6Q*czE3NTYzMTc3NTUkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTYzMTc3NTUkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_2TMM6KZPXQ*czE3NTYzMTc3NTUkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTYzMTc3NTUkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_08HT33J01V*czE3NTYzMTc3NTUkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTYzMTc3NTUkajYwJGwwJGgw)

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