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In this insightful episode of the Good Decisions podcast by ModelOP, James Combs is joined by John Donovan, a veteran technologist and investor, shares his extensive experience in decision-making, leadership, and navigating the rapidly evolving tech landscape. From his leadership at AT&T to his investments in AI and quantum computing, John discusses his framework for making tough choices in technology, the ethical implications of AI, and the pivotal role of time in decision-making.

John Donovan is a seasoned technologist, investor, and author, with more than 30 years of leadership in tech and infrastructure. He is the CEO of Qudit Investments, a firm that backs breakthroughs in AI, quantum computing, and hypersonic technologies. Formerly the CEO of AT&T Communications, John led major innovations like 5G and software-defined networking. He serves on the boards of Palo Alto Networks and Lockheed Martin and has chaired the President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee.

📚Expect to Learn:

- John’s decision-making framework and how he narrows down options to make clear, impactful choices.

- The importance of understanding time in tech decisions, and how being too early or too late can be detrimental.

- Insights on how AI and technology impact businesses and leadership at a corporate level.

- Ethical considerations in tech leadership, especially in AI and security.

- The challenges and opportunities of leading large tech organizations, and how leadership must evolve to keep pace with change.

⏱️Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

[00:00:00] - Teaser

[00:01:49] - Introduction of John Donovan

[00:03:56] - John’s Early Life & the Influence of Pittsburgh

[00:06:13] - Choosing Engineering & The Path to Notre Dame

[00:08:50] - The Value of Life Planning

[00:12:39] - From Engineering to Telecoms

[00:14:55] - Software vs. Hardware Decision Making

[00:18:52] - Time as a Key Factor in AI Decision Making

[00:25:35] - Ethics in AI and Technology

[00:30:00] - Balancing Risk & Opportunity in AI

[00:35:24] - Leadership and Decision-Making Frameworks

[00:43:01] - Final Reflections on Leadership in the Age of AI

🔗 Follow John Donovan on:

👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndonovanatt/

👉 Website - https://qudit.ai/

🔗 Follow James Combs on:

👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwcombs/

🔗 Follow ModelOp on:

👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modelop/

👉 Website - https://www.modelop.com/

👉 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modelop_ai/

👉 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577339019152

👉 X - https://x.com/ModelOp_Co

👉 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@modelop_aigov

🔗 Follow Good Decisions Podcast:

👉 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/00MD7QQUBNkKzTvSXnjZM6?si=3348e11f194b4cc8

👉 Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-decisions/id1823071460

👉 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@modelop1023/podcasts