Episode 100: Trusting AI and Warfighting Technologies
What does it take to trust AI in the highest-stakes environments and how do we make sure people stay at the center of every innovation?
In our milestone 100th episode, Lt. General Susan Lawrence, President & CEO of AFCEA International and former CIO of the U.S. Army, joins host Carolyn Ford for a compelling conversation about the future of national defense in an AI-powered world. Together, they unpack:
Why cybersecurity and data integrity must be the foundation of AI adoption
How real-world conflicts like Ukraine are reshaping battlefield technologies
What ethical AI deployment looks like across the military, government, and industry
Why collaboration, not competition, is key to staying ahead of adversaries
How to prepare today’s workforce for tomorrow’s digital fight
Whether you're in the public sector, tech, or defense, this episode is packed with powerful insights on innovation, leadership, and national resilience.
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Cyber Resilience Starts with Culture: Building Trust in the Age of AI
Why do phishing scams still work, even on the savviest among us? In this episode, host Carolyn Ford welcomes Bart McDonough, Founder of Agio and author of Cyber Smart and Cyber Guardians to break down the human side of cybersecurity. Bart shares practical tips to protect yourself and your organization from today’s most common threats, explains why a resilient cyber culture matters more than ever, and reveals how AI is shaping both the future of cyber defense and cybercrime. Packed with relatable stories and expert advice, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who thinks they’re too smart to get hacked.
Key topics:
Why social engineering remains the top attack vector
How to build defense-in-depth at work and at home
Practical habits for better passwords and safer devices
The evolving role of AI in cyber threats and defense
Why a strong cyber culture starts with open, blame-free communication
Tune in and level up your cyber smarts today!
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Episode 98: SCRM: Securing the Federal Technology Supply Chain
What do Dune’s spice trade, HAL 9000, and federal supply chains have in common? They all reveal how deeply our systems rely on trust—and how dangerous things get when that trust breaks down. I’m joined by Timothy Amerson, CEO of CASMO Consulting, former Chief Information Security Officer at the Social Security Administration, and Army veteran, to explore why Supply Chain Risk Management is no longer just a CISO concern. From insider threats to shifting geopolitical pressures, Tim brings sharp, actionable insight for leaders navigating today’s complex cyber landscape. If you’re serious about moving from compliance to real resilience, this episode is for you.
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Prompting the Future: AI, Leadership, and the Military Mindset with Capt. M. Scott Austin, USCG
When military leaders say, “Get me some of that AI,” what are they really asking for? In this episode of Tech Transforms, host Carolyn Ford is joined by Capt. M. Scott Austin, a Fellow at the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology and a U.S. Coast Guard veteran. Together, they unpack what “prompt engineering” really means—not just for AI users, but for mission-driven leaders.
Capt. Austin challenges the hype, emphasizing the need for clear problem definition, strategic alignment, and human-centered design when applying AI in defense and beyond. They explore how AI can “buy back time,” why empathy is a critical leadership skill in tech adoption, and whether C-3PO or R2-D2 is the better model for agentic warfare.
You’ll hear:
Why the best prompt engineering starts with leadership, not code
What military organizations can teach us about AI adoption and design thinking
The difference between generative and agentic AI—and why it matters
A surprising take on AI’s boot camp curriculum (spoiler: not swimming)
Whether you're building policy, coding tools, or just trying to avoid another expense report, this episode will expand your thinking about AI’s role in high-stakes environments.
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Episode 96: Tech Transforms + ATARC: AI, Oceans, and Innovation with NOAA’s Frank Indiviglio
Show Notes:
In this special Tech Transforms + ATARC crossover episode, Carolyn Ford talks with Frank Indiviglio, Chief Technology Officer at NOAA, about how AI, data science, and high-performance computing are transforming weather forecasting, climate modeling, and ocean research. Frank shares how NOAA uses tools like REMUS underwater vehicles, balances open data with cybersecurity, and drives innovation through cross-sector collaboration.
Resources & Links:
🌐 Learn more about NOAA’s AI initiatives: noaa.gov/ai
🔗 Connect with Frank Indiviglio on LinkedIn: Frank Indiviglio
Tune in for insights on the future of AI, oceans, and innovation!
Global technology is changing the way we live. Critical government decisions affect the intersection of technology advancement and human needs. This podcast talks to some of the most prominent influencers shaping the landscape to understand how they are leveraging technology to solve complex challenges while also meeting the needs of today's modern world.
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