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.

In this compelling episode of AI or Not, host Pamela Isom welcomes Dr. Lisa Kinnard, a seasoned engineer at the FDA, to discuss her journey in electrical engineering, AI applications in radiology, and the critical gaps in STEM education and diversity. Dr. Kinnard recounts her academic path, beginning at Howard University, and her pioneering work in medical imaging and AI during the early 1990s. She highlights the alarming disparities in breast cancer detection, particularly triple-negative breast cancer, which disproportionately affects young Black women. The conversation also delves into AI’s transformative role in radiology, from aiding in cancer detection to improving outcomes in rural hospitals. Dr. Kinnard emphasizes the urgent need for diversity in clinical trials and STEM fields, citing the underrepresentation of African Americans in research and education. Together, they explore actionable solutions, from early education initiatives to increasing awareness of STEM opportunities. This episode is a must-listen for those passionate about AI, healthcare, and equitable innovation.

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.

In this episode of AI or Not, we are joined by Dr. Andrea Bonime-Blanc, Founder and CEO of GEC Risk Advisory and a global leader in governance, risk, ethics, and technology impact. Andrea shares her fascinating journey from a Wall Street lawyer to a C-suite executive and her ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between technology innovation and responsible governance. Delving into topics like cybersecurity, ethical AI, and exponential governance, Andrea highlights the importance of embedding a responsible tech culture, integrating stakeholders in technology loops, and future-proofing organizations in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. With thought-provoking insights into the accelerationist vs. decelerationist debate and a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, Andrea provides a roadmap for fostering innovation without compromising safety and ethical considerations. Do not miss this engaging discussion about the future of governance, technology, and leadership.

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 if emerging technologies could transform not just industries but entire lives? Join us as we sit down with Christopher Lafayette, a true visionary at the intersection of technology and humanity. From a unique upbringing shaped by a technologist father and a nurse mother to overcoming personal learning hurdles, Christopher's journey is one of resilience and relentless curiosity. He shares how these experiences fueled his passion for technology, which ultimately led him to establish a design firm during the pivotal era of the iPhone and Web 2.0. Learn how his initiatives like Gatherverse and Hyperpolicy aim to bridge the gap between tech and community, advocating for ethics and accessibility.

Explore the exciting landscape of augmented reality, AI, and neural networks that Christopher envisions will revolutionize scientific discovery and address global mission challenges. We'll highlight groundbreaking projects like Meta's Orion glasses, which pave the way for enhanced abilities and secure interconnectivity. Christopher discusses how Gatherverse has grown into a movement that places humanity at the heart of tech development, ensuring that the advancements remain inclusive and ethical. His insights emphasize the profound impact these technologies can have, particularly in supporting individuals with disabilities.

In an ever-evolving digital world, Christopher reminds us of the power of authenticity and resilience in career choices. His story challenges the conventional Silicon Valley success model, highlighting the importance of geocentricity and personal fulfillment over external validation. As we reflect on future technological horizons, the dialogue stresses the necessity of human-centric values in AI, strategic planning, and lifelong learning. Collaboration emerges as a recurring theme, urging us to prioritize human betterment and maintain real connections as we embrace innovation. This episode is a testament to the balance needed between technological progress and preserving our shared 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.

Unlock the secrets of AI and STEM innovations with the inspiring Dr. Loretta Cheeks, the visionary CEO behind Strong Ties and DS Innovation. Gain exclusive insights into her groundbreaking work in AI and big data that are transforming small businesses and government projects. Dr. Cheeks passionately discusses her pioneering efforts in fraud detection, intelligent triage systems, and healthcare claims processing. Discover how she's shaping the future of manufacturing with embedded linguistics and large language models, especially for those without cloud access. Her dedication doesn't stop at technology; she's also on a mission to revolutionize STEAM education through her nonprofit, Strong Ties, empowering students with the skills and knowledge to succeed.

Join us as we dive deep into the challenges faced by high school students from marginalized communities in accessing quality STEAM education. We explore the critical role of mentorship and familial support in overcoming barriers and highlight the importance of integrative education that blends science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Dr. Cheeks shares personal stories of persistence and innovation, offering invaluable wisdom on knowing when to push forward and when to pivot. By embracing these lessons, listeners are encouraged to pursue their goals with determination, kindness, and a commitment to making meaningful contributions to progress in America.

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.

Join us in a captivating discussion with Dr. David Broniatowski from George Washington University as we explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, engineering, and human psychology. What happens when technology meets human perception, and how can AI be a force for good when steered correctly? Dr. Broniatowski shares his unique career journey that combines social sciences with technical expertise, offering insights into the complex societal impacts of AI, from its benefits to its potential pitfalls like bias and inequities.

Trust is the cornerstone of AI adoption, and in our episode, we unpack the importance of aligning AI outputs with user values and expectations. We delve into systems engineering principles, emphasizing the role of engaging diverse stakeholders and promoting participatory AI design. Discover TRAILS, the NIST-NSF Institute for Trustworthy AI in Law & Society. TRAILS is the first organization to integrate artificial intelligence participation, technology and governance during the design, development, deployment and oversight of AI systems by conducting scientific research into what trust in AI looks like, how to create technical AI solutions that build trust, and which policy models are effective in sustaining trust.

We also tackle the challenge of misinformation and the critical role of active listening in the design process. By discussing innovative strategies like the accuracy nudge and accuracy shove, we highlight the importance of fostering responsible information sharing online while listening to diverse voices to create systems that truly empower individuals. This episode is a call to action for designers and tech creators to prioritize genuine participation and listening to bridge community gaps and build a trustworthy AI future.

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.

Ever wondered how artificial intelligence can revolutionize the energy sector? Join us for a captivating conversation with Dr. Kelly Rose, a Senior Fellow and Technical Director at National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) AI Institute. Dr. Rose takes us through her remarkable career, sharing her experiences at the crossroads of data science, technology, and energy. From leading multidisciplinary teams to pioneering AI solutions for carbon management, she offers profound insights into how AI can address complex energy challenges, like the safe transportation and storage of CO2, while fostering responsible implementations through the SAMI Institute.

We reveal the power of multidisciplinary teams and high-performance computing at national labs and discuss how these collaborations are essential for tackling the pressing issues of carbon storage and energy systems. As Dr. Rose explains, integrating domain experts like data scientists and AI specialists is key to innovation and ensuring data security and reliability. Partnerships between national labs and the private sector are highlighted as a critical factor in not only advancing scientific research but also making it applicable and beneficial for public use, emphasizing the potential for community access to cutting-edge tools.

Discover how the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is breaking new ground in empowering communities with innovative technologies. Through initiatives like the Energy Data Exchange (EDX) platform, NETL is making data and tools accessible to the public, sparking advancements in environmental, energy, and social justice research. Dr. Rose shares how AI is accelerating the identification of unconventional critical mineral sources within the U.S., showcasing the role of public-private partnerships in validating AI-driven models. The episode underscores the importance of embracing change, collaboration, and teamwork to harness AI for transformative innovations across sectors.

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.

How do perceptions of AI expertise shape professional opportunities and impact workplace culture? As we welcome Victor George, Principal Consultant, Ethixera Consulting, a distinguished strategist in regulatory risk and ethics, we unearth the pivotal role of authenticity and ethical governance in digital transformation. Victor shares his career journey, including an unusual encounter with a consultancy firm that assumed AI contributed to his interview responses. This intriguing experience sets the stage for a broader conversation on the misconceptions and ethical considerations of AI in professional settings.

We navigate the intricate implications of AI in recruitment and education, shedding light on scenarios where candidates and students face unjust accusations of AI usage. Victor and I dissect the misuse of AI as a scapegoat for human biases, emphasizing the urgent need for ethical guidelines and a nuanced understanding of AI's role in our lives. From recruitment to education, we explore how AI feedback systems often fail to capture the cultural subtleties of modern environments, calling for more refined and culturally aware AI governance frameworks.

Turning our focus to AI's role in anti-money laundering and fraud detection, we uncover the challenges of relying solely on technology in these areas. Victor highlights the irreplaceable insight of human auditors, who provide the nuanced judgment that AI currently lacks. Our discussion underscores the importance of ethics and accountability in communication, bringing to light real-life examples of the chaos that ensues when these principles are neglected. Join us for this enlightening episode as we explore the critical intersection of ethics, governance, and AI in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with digital transformation leader Claus Thorp Jensen, Chairperson of the Board, Independent Director, Board Advisor,  whose career journey spans the fields of finance, healthcare, and technology. Claus, with his Danish roots and influential roles like the CTO of CVS Health, shares his compelling story of charting a nonlinear career path filled with on-the-job discovery and adaptation. As we explore his transition to the healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City, Claus offers insights into the importance of innovation and adaptability when facing uncertainty, particularly in revolutionizing cancer care.

Ever wondered whether to position yourself as an expert or a storyteller? Claus shares his thoughts on this pivotal choice, emphasizing the balance between deep knowledge and relatable narratives that resonate with listeners. His journey into board roles, driven by a desire for meaningful contributions, highlights the nuances between governance and management. Through his experiences with a not-for-profit focused on elder care and a cutting-edge AI startup, Claus underscores the alignment of board roles with personal and professional values, offering a roadmap for those considering similar paths.

As AI technology continues to evolve, Claus and I discuss its transformative role in healthcare, from machine learning to ambient solutions that integrate AI and sensors for continuous health monitoring. This exploration includes ethical considerations and the necessity of keeping human intelligence at the forefront. We wrap up our discussion with a focus on positivity and gratitude, two vital components Claus believes are essential for personal and professional growth in the technology landscape. Join us as we reflect on these powerful themes and express our gratitude for the invaluable insights Claus brings to this episode.

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 if you could harness the power of AI to address global climate change? Join us as we explore this compelling question with Bill Wright, Founder and Chair, Enterprise Neurosystem AI/ML open-source community. Bill shares his inspiring journey from the world of advertising artistry to becoming a trailblazer in tech, offering insights into how humility and curiosity transformed his career during the internet boom. Now, he's channeling his passion into leveraging AI for real-time planetary analysis, envisioning a network that integrates diverse data sources for a comprehensive understanding of climate change's patterns and impacts.

Bill's narrative is a testament to the potential of AI in fostering global equity. Through the Enterprise Neurosystems program, volunteers from around the globe collaborate to innovate for the greater good, using the UN as a platform for international cooperation. Our conversation highlights AI advancements in Tanzania, where technology is empowering farmers with irrigation mapping and early warning systems, supported by UNFCCC and CTCN. These efforts not only enhance food security but also contribute to the conservation of ecosystems and wildlife, emphasizing how open-source technology can promote accessibility and drive equitable solutions.

We also explore the fascinating interplay between AI and nature, delving into projects that investigate the communication patterns of bees, potentially unlocking an "internet for nature." Our discussion underscores the importance of data protection and privacy in AI, with insights into frameworks like GDPR and initiatives aimed at minimizing risks. Throughout the episode, we celebrate the power of collaboration, curiosity, and openness to learning, reminding us all that innovation and responsibility can lead to transformative changes for our planet.