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 philosopher becomes a physicist and then stumbles into artificial intelligence? You get the fascinating perspective of Dr. Ryan Coffee, Senior Staff Scientist at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, who shares his unique journey and vision for our technological future.

Dr. Coffee takes us deep into the world of federated machine learning, explaining why preserving intellectual property—what he calls "secret sauce"—is crucial for innovation while still enabling collaboration across competitive boundaries. As someone working with an X-ray laser that generates a million frames per second, he's tackling data processing challenges that require AI systems capable of making decisions in microseconds, creating what he calls "autonomous science."

The conversation expands into energy systems of the future, where Coffee envisions interconnected microgrids with diverse power sources managed by intelligent systems. Rather than choosing one energy technology over another, he advocates for an ecosystem approach where each source—from nuclear fission to renewables—serves its unique purpose. His enthusiasm for modular nuclear reactors deployed near data centers reveals practical solutions for powering our AI-driven future.

Perhaps most striking is Coffee's timeline for these transformations. While many experts talk about technologies being decades away, he believes we're underestimating the pace of change: "If you think we're 10 years away, because humans are linear thinkers, it's really three." This accelerating innovation means we'll soon see technologies we can't even imagine today.

Coffee leaves us with a powerful analogy about the interface between AI and humanity, functioning like the corpus callosum connecting the brain's hemispheres. His call for psychologists, artists, and humanities experts to help shape this interface reminds us that creating our technological future requires not just engineering expertise but the full spectrum of human understanding. Listen now and discover why our autonomous future is arriving faster—and looking different—than you might expect.

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 change is thrust upon us rather than chosen? In this thought-provoking conversation, Renee Wynn, former NASA CIO, EPA executive, and current independent board director, shares hard-won wisdom about navigating unexpected business disruptions with resilience and strategic clarity.

Drawing from her remarkable 30-year federal career, Renee offers a unique framework for approaching enterprise risk and technological transformation. She recounts how transitioning from EPA's environmental mission to NASA's cutting-edge operations taught her to view disruption as an opportunity for growth. The key? Developing the ability to pause, breathe through emotional reactions, and make thoughtful pivots when plans suddenly change.

Renee provides an insider's perspective on boardroom oversight of AI implementation, emphasizing the critical question organizations should ask: "Are we ready?" Rather than rushing into AI adoption, she advocates for identifying appropriate use cases, establishing governance frameworks, and, most importantly, keeping experienced humans in the loop. Her story about NASA's Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System, which has saved pilots' lives by taking control of fighter jets during emergencies, powerfully illustrates how AI can enhance human capabilities when thoughtfully implemented.

The conversation culminates with wisdom from former Secretary Condoleezza Rice that perfectly captures the balance organizations must strike: "Innovate aggressively, but guard aggressively." For individuals navigating this rapidly changing landscape, Renee offers this compelling call to action: "Be the human they want in the loop" by continuously upskilling and demonstrating your value.

Whether you're leading an organization through digital transformation or wondering how to remain relevant in an AI-powered world, this episode offers practical guidance for turning unexpected change into your greatest advantage. Subscribe now to join the conversation about creating resilient organizations that combine technological innovation with human wisdom.

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.

The complex landscape of AI governance demands more than theoretical frameworks; it requires practical bridges between policy and implementation. Dr. Pupak Mohebali, AI policy consultant and researcher with a background in international security, brings a refreshingly grounded perspective to this challenge.

Dr. Mohebali reveals how her multidisciplinary experience shapes her approach to making AI governance accessible. "Most organizations aren't lacking frameworks," she explains. "They're lacking translation between policy and practice." Her AI governance starter kit transforms abstract principles into straightforward questions: What AI tools are we using? Who's responsible if something goes wrong? What data feeds these systems? This practical approach helps teams engage with governance without feeling overwhelmed by complexity.

The conversation challenges the dangerous myth that "AI is just a tool." Every AI system reflects human decisions about data selection, goals, and beneficiaries. By pretending AI is neutral, we shift blame from designers and organizations to the technology itself, an abdication of responsibility that Dr. Mohebali firmly rejects. This perspective connects directly to the ongoing importance of AI literacy, not to make everyone a technical expert, but to empower people to ask meaningful questions about how AI affects their lives.
Perhaps most eye-opening is the discussion of AI's hidden environmental footprint. Training large models can generate emissions equivalent to those of five cars over their entire lifespan, while services like ChatGPT potentially consume 500,000 kilowatt-hours daily. These costs remain largely invisible, particularly when systems operate through remote cloud services. "We need more than incentives," Dr. Mohebali argues. "Environmental considerations must be mandatory in regulations from the outset."

The conversation concludes with a powerful insight: AI ethics isn't a fixed endpoint but a process that continuously questions who defines ethical standards and who benefits. Want to develop a more nuanced understanding of AI governance that balances innovation with responsibility? This episode offers practical wisdom for navigating the complex intersection of technology, policy, and human impact. Subscribe and join the conversation about creating AI systems that truly serve humanity.

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.

Dive into a mind-expanding journey through four decades of technology evolution with Stephen Pullum, a veteran who's been working with AI since before most people knew it existed. From his early days programming a Commodore 64 in 1982 to managing sophisticated AI systems for the Air Force in the late 1980s, Stephen offers a rare historical perspective that helps us understand today's AI revolution.

Stephen introduces us to the crucial role of the Chief AI Security Officer (CAISO)—a position he's pioneered to bridge the dangerous gap between traditional cybersecurity and AI governance. "Your basic CISO doesn't understand AI systems," he explains, "while your AI officers don't understand enterprise security." This disconnect creates vulnerabilities that organizations are only beginning to recognize.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Stephen shares his experiments with agentic AI systems like Mantis and GenSpark. Through a technique he calls "shadow prompting," he demonstrates how these autonomous agents can function more as partners than tools, making decisions and collaborating without constant human intervention. Imagine a world where multiple AI agents verify each other's work before humans even see it—that future is closer than we think.

Perhaps most thought-provoking is Stephen's challenge to conventional wisdom about AI guardrails and bias. He makes a critical distinction between policies (which people follow or break) and true guardrails (which actively prevent harm), arguing that many organizations confuse the two. And on the controversial topic of AI bias, he offers a perspective that will make you question common assumptions: "There isn't any such thing as AI bias. AI is programmed by individuals who are in their own communities. Anything outside their communities doesn't fit into the algorithm."

Whether you're a seasoned AI professional or just beginning to explore this field, Stephen's insights from the frontlines of technology evolution will expand your understanding of where we've been and where we're heading. As he says with infectious enthusiasm, "Enjoy the ride. You don't know what's in the labs. You have no idea what's coming next."

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.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has created an urgent need for a deeper understanding beyond basic prompt engineering. In this illuminating conversation with Evan Benjamin, a senior project delivery consultant and AI specialist, we uncover the critical infrastructure considerations that are often overlooked in the rush to adopt the latest AI technologies.

Evan shares his remarkable journey from legal tech expert to AI infrastructure specialist, highlighting how the worlds of e-discovery and generative AI have converged in unexpected ways. What began as attorneys experimenting with prompts has evolved into complex, multi-agent systems that require entirely new approaches to implementation and security.

One of the most compelling insights centers on how organizations approach AI tools—treating them as simple product upgrades rather than fundamentally different technologies with unique security implications. "We're beta testers for OpenAI and Anthropic, but we're completely neglecting our own privacy and security," Evan warns. This cavalier approach extends to skipping essential documentation, such as model cards, which contain critical information about capabilities and limitations.

We explore the evolution of threat modeling for AI systems, examining why traditional cybersecurity frameworks, such as STRIDE or PASTA, cannot be applied directly to AI environments. New frameworks such as MAESTRO (designed specifically for multi-agent environments) and the OWASP Top 10 for LLMs represent more appropriate approaches for identifying AI-specific threats. With new attack surfaces emerging through agentic AI, organizations must adapt their security practices accordingly.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn toward AI literacy, particularly examining how the EU AI Act establishes a higher standard than many organizations currently achieve. While companies claim to prioritize AI adoption, true literacy extends far beyond basic prompt abilities to comprehensive knowledge of the AI lifecycle. This literacy gap presents significant challenges but also opportunities for those willing to invest in deeper understanding.

As we transition from the era of LLMs to what Evan calls "the year of agents and agentic AI," your organization's approach to implementation, security, and governance must evolve in tandem with the technology. Take the first step today by committing to improve your AI knowledge by just 2% daily—whether through videos, books, or articles—and watch how quickly your understanding transforms.

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.

When you turn on your tap and nothing comes out, it's already too late. This eye-opening conversation with AI ethicist Masheika Allgood reveals the hidden environmental crisis lurking within our AI revolution, the massive consumption of drinking water by data centers.

Modern AI data centers are fundamentally different from those of the past. The specialized GPUs powering artificial intelligence generate extreme heat, around 190°F, requiring sophisticated cooling systems that consume millions of gallons of water annually. This isn't recycled or sea water, but drinkable water from the same aquifers that supply our homes and businesses. Most alarming? Many communities remain completely unaware, as tech companies frequently hide water usage behind non-disclosure agreements while openly discussing their electricity needs.

"Water is a finite resource in a way that nothing else on this planet is," explains Allgood, who developed the Data Center Water Consumption Calculator to empower communities. This free tool allows local officials and concerned citizens to estimate water impact before permits are granted. A typical 200-megawatt data center consumes approximately 2,000 acre-feet of water per year, potentially accounting for 10% of a local reservoir's capacity.

The crisis extends beyond traditionally water-stressed regions. Florida, despite its rainfall, faces water scarcity. Phoenix restricts housing development due to water limitations, yet continues approving data centers. Virginia struggles with similar issues. Since water governance happens at the local level, citizens have significant power to influence decisions through municipal meetings and advocacy with officials they know personally.

Have we considered whether technological advancement is worth sacrificing our most essential resource? Visit tapsrundry.com to access the Calculator and presentation materials you can share with local officials. Remember, when it comes to water scarcity, there's no backup plan. By the time you notice the problem, it may be too late to solve it.

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 two AI agents start talking to each other without human supervision? How can artificial intelligence help the 1.4 billion unbanked adults worldwide access financial services? These questions sit at the heart of our fascinating conversation with Nihkil Kassetty, software architect and AI ethicist with deep expertise in digital finance.

Remember when banking meant standing in line at your local branch? Today, AI is transforming that experience—and potentially extending financial services to billions who've never had a bank account. Nihkil Kassetty explains how companies like Tala are using AI to analyze smartphone data (call logs, text patterns, app usage) to assess creditworthiness when traditional credit scores aren't available. With 67% of unbanked individuals owning mobile phones, this technology creates pathways to financial inclusion that simply didn't exist before.

Beyond accessibility, we explore the fascinating evolution of AI agents that can perceive their environment, learn from interactions, and make context-aware decisions. Unlike traditional automation following rigid rules, these agents provide an intelligent layer across financial functions—from fraud detection to investment advice. But this power comes with profound ethical considerations. When agents begin communicating with other agents, can humans maintain proper oversight? Who's accountable when AI makes mistakes? And how do we ensure these systems operate transparently?
The conversation shifts to green finance, where AI helps direct capital toward environmentally sustainable projects by analyzing satellite imagery, emissions data, and supply chain activities to provide a clearer picture than company self-reporting alone. This capability transforms how financial institutions evaluate climate risks and sustainable investments.

Whether you're fascinated by the technology itself or concerned about its ethical implications, this episode offers valuable insights into how AI is reshaping finance to make it not just faster, but fairer and more inclusive. Subscribe now to join the conversation about building a financial future that's both smarter and more human.

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.

Sarah Sullivan, a transformational leader with nearly three decades in telecommunications engineering, takes us on an eye-opening journey through the practical applications of AI as a powerful ally in both professional endeavors and everyday life.

The conversation begins with Sarah's remarkable career trajectory from MCI to launching her own business, Gazed Technologies, where she provides equipment lifecycle management and architecture solutions enhanced by data analytics. Her experience navigates the shifting landscape of telecom through multiple acquisitions while maintaining her passion for the engineering side of the business.

Sarah reveals how she first embraced generative AI to tackle a complex grant opportunity for open RAN networks. Rather than diving blindly into unfamiliar territory, she uploaded the lengthy solicitation to ChatGPT for summarization, creating a foundation she could build upon with her expertise. This exemplifies her thoughtful approach to AI: using it to jumpstart processes and handle routine tasks while maintaining human oversight and judgment.

The discussion shifts to the Broadband Council's groundbreaking work uncovering communities that appear served on paper but experience poor broadband in reality. Their testing revealed critical insights about underserved areas where latency exceeds 100 milliseconds—directly impacting telehealth, education, and economic opportunities. Sarah's innovative use of AI to transform raw field data into actionable presentations demonstrates how technology can amplify human expertise rather than replace it.

Perhaps most compelling is Sarah's perspective on AI as a tool for lightening our cognitive load. "Think of generative AI as helping you take down one of those plates you're spinning," she advises. Whether creating visual content for the Society of Women Engineers, deciphering complex privacy statements, or simply finding a quick salmon recipe, Sarah frames AI as a solution that simplifies rather than complicates our already complex lives.

Have you considered how AI might help you balance your professional and personal responsibilities? Join us to discover practical ways to maintain human control while leveraging AI as your trusted ally in navigating today's digital landscape.