Podcast
Embracing Digital Transformation
Hosted by Dr. Darren Pulsipher · EN
Dr. Darren Pulsipher, Chief Enterprise Architect for Public Sector, author and professor, investigates effective change leveraging people, process, and technology. Which digital trends are a flash in the pan—and which will form the foundations of lasting change? With in-depth discussion and expert interviews, Embracing Digital Transformation finds the signal in the noise of the digital revolution.
People
Workers are at the heart of many of today’s biggest digital transformation projects. Learn how to transform public sector work in an era of rapid disruption, including overcoming the security and scalability challenges of the remote work explosion.
Processes
Building an innovative IT organization in the public sector starts with developing the right processes to evolve your information management capabilities. Find out how to boost your organization to the next level of data-driven innovation.
Technologies
From the data center to the cloud, transforming public sector IT infrastructure depends on having the right technology solutions in place. Sift through confusing messages and conflicting technologies to find the true lasting drivers of value for IT organizations.
83episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#355 From Mars to Data Centers: AI that Prevents Cloud Outages.
Today00:34:03Summary readyCloud outages don’t have to be a mystery—or a recurring fire drill. Host Dr. Darren interviews Dr. Helen Gu, professor at North Carolina State University and founder/CEO of InsightFinder, about how AI for cloud operations can detect, predict, and automatically fix outages before users feel the impact. ## Key Takeaways - AI can move beyond simple alerting to **predictive outage prevention**, spotting early warning signs before they become incidents. - **Unsupervised machine learning** helps discover hidden patterns in noisy machine data without requiring large sets of labeled examples. - Real-world cloud environments are complex, with thousands of parameters, dynamic workloads, and interacting microservices that make manual troubleshooting difficult. - A **closed-loop feedback system** lets teams review AI predictions, correct mistakes, and continuously improve model accuracy. - InsightFinder’s **composite AI** approach combines predictive AI, causal inference, behavior learning, and small language models for more reliable operations. - The same data-driven approach can support **cloud monitoring, edge environments, critical infrastructure, and other machine-generated data streams**. ## Chapters - 00:00 Introduction to AI that prevents cloud outages - 01:05 Helen Gu’s origin story in NASA-funded Mars research - 04:10 From video streaming on Mars to machine learning for reliability - 07:00 Why machine data is harder than it looks - 09:20 Unsurvised learning vs. supervised learning - 12:10 From research to Google Cloud anomaly detection - 14:40 Detection, prediction, and automatic remediation - 17:10 Why cloud systems are so complex - 19:45 The future of AI agents, models, and infrastructure monitoring - 23:10 Hallucinations, false positives, and feedback loops - 26:00 Composite AI and online learning in production - 29:10 Adapting AI models to different environments See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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#354 Building a Remote Healthcare Team: Discipline, Accountability, and Telehealth
2d ago00:36:11Summary readyWhat does fertility care teach us about leading high-performing remote teams? Dr. Darren talks with Dr. Gabriela Rosa, clinical director and founder of the Rosa Institute, about telehealth, digital transformation in healthcare, patient-centered reproductive medicine, and the discipline, accountability, and technology required to run a global clinical team across seven time zones. ## Key Takeaways - Telehealth can expand access to quality healthcare when supported by the right clinical care team and clear patient workflows. - Remote healthcare teams need defined expectations, measurable outcomes, and consistent accountability to maintain trust and quality. - Culture is shaped by what leaders model, measure, and reinforce—not just what they say. - Automation tools like Slack, Zapier, video recordings, transcription, and AI note-taking can reduce meetings and improve productivity. - Electronic medical records are valuable, but no system is perfect; choose technology based on real operational needs. - Patients should keep their own digital health records, including labs, imaging, and reports, to better understand long-term health trends. ## Chapters - 00:00 — Opening: Remote Healthcare, Telehealth, and Digital Transformation - 01:10 — Dr. Gabriela Rosa’s Origin Story in Fertility Care - 05:35 — How Reproductive Medicine Has Changed Over 25 Years - 08:10 — COVID, Telehealth Adoption, and Patient Access - 12:20 — Building a Distributed Clinical Care Team - 16:05 — Running a Remote Practice with Consistent Patient Experience - 20:45 — Discipline, Metrics, and Accountability in Remote Teams - 24:35 — Leading by Example and Creating a Culture of Ownership - 27:40 — Managing Staff Across Seven Time Zones - 30:10 — Tools That Power Remote Healthcare Operations See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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#353 AI Leadership in the Real World: Accountability, Decisions, and Transformation
1w ago00:32:12Summary ready# Embracing AI Leadership: Key Insights with Sid Revilla Are you ready to revolutionize your approach to decision-making in the AI landscape? This episode of Embracing Digital Transformation features Sid Revilla, an Executive Change Agent and Advisor, who shares invaluable insights on leadership accountability, decision-making, and the transformative power of AI. Discover how to navigate the complexities of executive-level decision-making and foster an environment that encourages accountability and clarity. ## Key Takeaways: - **Understand Accountability:** Effective leadership requires establishing clear accountability to avoid decision-making paralysis. - **Empower Decision Makers:** Encourage leaders at all levels to take ownership while developing a framework that clarifies responsibilities. - **Measure Outcomes:** Shift focus from activity to measurable outcomes to enhance performance evaluation. - **Embrace AI Judiciously:** While AI can accelerate decision-making, human oversight remains critical to ensuring decisions are reliable and aligned with corporate values. - **Cultivate Trust and Transparency:** Leaders must foster an environment where team members feel safe to share uncertainties and challenges instead of hiding behind distractions. ## Chapters: - 00:00 Introduction - 02:15 Sid Revilla's Background - 06:30 The Importance of Leadership Accountability - 10:45 The Role of AI in Decision-Making - 15:20 Overcoming Fear in Corporate Culture - 20:00 Measuring Outcomes vs. Activity - 25:30 The Human-AI Partnership - 30:15 Taking Ownership and Responsibility - 35:00 Conclusion and Key Insights Join us in this enlightening conversation and redefine how you think about leadership in the age of AI! If you found value in this episode, please consider giving us a five-star rating and share it with your colleagues. For deeper engagement and exclusive content, check out our community on Patreon! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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#352 How AI Is Fighting Fraud and Expanding Access to Public Services
1w ago00:30:19Summary readyThank you, Brittany Christenson, for sharing insights on how AI is reshaping accessibility and fighting fraud in public service, highlighting your expertise and dedication. ## Key Takeaways - Enhanced Accessibility: AidKit's focus on user-friendly interfaces ensures technology is inclusive, offering practical solutions for diverse communities. - **Fraud Prevention:** Implementing AI technology helps identify and filter out fraudulent applications, allowing genuine recipients to receive support. - Community-Centric Design: By involving native speakers and community members, AidKit fosters a sense of shared ownership, inspiring the audience about collaborative social impact. - **Workflow Efficiency:** Modern systems can streamline bureaucratic processes, making it easier for caseworkers to manage applications and improve outcomes. - Dynamic Eligibility Rules: Technology that adapts to policy shifts provides reassurance that aid programs will stay effective and dependable during disruptions. ## Chapters - 00:00 Introduction to Host and Guest - 04:23 Brittany's Origin Story - 12:45 The Role of Technology in the Aid Industry - 20:00 How AI Can Combat Fraud - 26:15 Enhancing Caseworker Support Join the conversation on how AI and technology can reshape public service for the better and significantly improve access to vital resources. For more insights, don’t forget to explore the full discussion! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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#351 Why Hiring Is Broken: AI, Trust Gaps, and the Rise of the Super Worker
2w ago00:30:03Summary readyIn a world where hiring often feels robotic and impersonal, Dr. Darren, your host of Embracing Digital Transformation, engages with Sree, founder of Brands Lumen, to explore the intricate dynamics of modern recruitment. Discover how trust, clarity, and authentic messaging can reshape hiring practices and the emergence of the ‘super worker’—an employee driven by growth and skill development. ## Key Takeaways: - **Trust and Transparency**: Understanding that high velocity in hiring must be complemented by trust to ensure a stable candidate pipeline. - **Three C's Framework**: Organizations should focus on Clarity, Consistency, and Connection to improve their hiring processes. - **Generational Insights**: Gen Z values skill development and authenticity over traditional corporate perks, affecting how they view potential employers. - **AI's Role**: Incorporating AI can provide nuanced insights into hiring, but it should never overshadow the human element of employment processes. - **Super Workers**: These employees prioritize skill growth and a positive outlook towards technology, making them both valuable assets and high flight risks. ## Chapters: - 00:00 - Introduction to the episode - 02:15 - Sree's background and journey into employer branding - 05:30 - The importance of authenticity in hiring - 10:00 - Understanding the trust gaps in modern hiring practices - 15:45 - The impact of generational differences on hiring expectations - 20:30 - Defining and exploring the concept of the ‘super worker’ - 25:00 - Practical strategies for organizations to attract and retain talent - 30:45 - Closing thoughts and next steps for listeners For more insights and to embrace a transformative approach to hiring, make sure to **listen to the full podcast episode**! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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#350 AI-Augmented Teams: How to create Defensible repeatable results | Book Release
2w ago00:22:36Summary readyWhat does it mean to be part of an AI-augmented team? In this episode of Embracing Digital Transformation, Dr. Darren, your host and chief enterprise architect, sits down with Paige Pulsipher, CEO of PDR Productions, to discuss real-world examples of AI-augmented teams, such as project management or creative collaboration, and how these teams harness AI's potential to deliver reliable, defensible results, rather than relying solely on technological prompts. ## Key Takeaways: - AI-Augmented Teams: Discover how combining human expertise with AI can inspire teams to reach new levels of performance and innovation. - Understanding AI Fakers: Learn about the term "AI faker"—those who may produce polished work with AI but lack the foundational understanding, helping you feel more confident in evaluating AI outputs. - Addressing Fear of AI: Gain insights into how to manage team members who may feel threatened by AI, helping you feel more equipped and confident in guiding your team through change. - **Toolkit for Success**: Explore the AI Augmented Operating System, a framework to help teams navigate the dynamics of AI in the workplace. - **Future Learning**: Understand the purpose behind Darren's forthcoming books that aim to equip managers and individuals to thrive in an AI-augmented world. ## Chapters: - 00:00 - Introduction to AI-Augmented Teams - 02:15 - The Birth of the Book: A Journey to Understand AI - 06:30 - Defining AI Fakers and Under-Leveraged Individuals - 12:45 - The AI Augmented Operating System Explained - 18:30 - Insights into Future Book Series - 23:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action Join us on this exciting journey to understand AI's role in teams and how we can all become more effective in a tech-driven landscape. Please listen to the full episode and embrace digital transformation today. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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#349 Overcoming Transformation Fatigue in the Age of AI
3w ago00:34:52Summary readyIn a world where change is constant and overwhelming, transformation fatigue is becoming a prevalent issue for businesses. Join Dr. Darren, host of *Embracing Digital Transformation*, as he chats with Alex Adamopoulos, CEO of Emerge, about navigating organizational change amidst rapid technological advancements, particularly in AI. ## Key Takeaways: - **Embrace a Mindset Shift**: Transformation is about cultivating a mindset of continuous change rather than sticking to outdated project management techniques. - **Address Fear**: Fear, not failure, hinders progress. Encourage open communication and experimentation in teams to foster a culture of learning. - **Focus on People First**: Organizations must prioritize people and processes over technology to drive successful transformation. - **Incremental Value Delivery**: Transition from traditional project management to a product-led mindset focused on delivering value through stages and feedback. - **Develop Problem-Solving Skills**: Equip individuals with skills to frame problems and think like product strategists for greater adaptability in their roles. - **Foster Collaboration**: Collapse departmental silos to enhance teamwork across functions, leading to improved morale and productivity. ## Chapters: - 00:00 - Introduction to Transformation Fatigue - 05:30 - Alex's Origin Story - 12:00 - Understanding Transformation Fatigue and Its Causes - 20:45 - The Role of AI in Business Transformation - 30:15 - Shifting Mindsets: From Projects to Products - 40:00 - Building a Culture of Continuous Learning - 50:10 - Introducing Incremental Value Delivery - 59:00 - Final Thoughts and Insights Dive into the conversation to learn actionable strategies to not just survive but thrive in times of transformation. Don’t forget to share this episode with your colleagues and leave a comment with your thoughts! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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#348 The Future of Automation: Agentic vs Deterministic Workflows
3w ago00:35:30Summary readyAutomation is transforming industries, and in this enlightening episode, Dr. Darren welcomes Sid Brock, founder of Recon, to delve into the nuanced world of genetic and deterministic workflows. This discussion reveals how these methodologies can reshape businesses' operational landscape, making them more efficient and adaptive. With Sid’s extensive background in AI and entrepreneurship, listeners will gain valuable insights into harnessing these workflows to drive impactful change. ## Key Takeaways: - **Understanding Workflow Types**: Gain clarity on the distinctions between deterministic workflows (which follow set rules) and genetic workflows (which handle complexity and variability). - **Practical Applications**: Learn how businesses can integrate genetic workflows into customer support and decision-making processes to improve operations. - **AI-Driven Decisions**: Discover how AI can automate decision-making by weighing variables and circumstances in real-time, enhancing responsiveness to customer needs. - **Heterogeneous Systems**: Explore the benefits of creating a system where both deterministic and genetic workflows coexist, optimizing efficiency and resource allocation. - **Implementation Steps**: Insight into the process of deploying genetic workflows in an organization, including data integration and employee training for AI systems. ## Chapters: - 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest - 02:30 Sid’s Background and Insights into AI - 06:10 The Birth of Automation Workflows - 10:50 Differences Between Deterministic and Genetic Workflows - 15:30 Challenges in Large Organizations - 20:00 Practical Applications in Customer Support - 27:45 The Role of AI in Decision Making - 35:00 Implementation Strategies for Businesses - 40:45 Future of AI and Automation in Workplaces Want to deepen your understanding of how automation can propel your business into the future? Tune in to the full episode for more insights from Sid Brock and Dr. Darren! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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#347 The Future of Workflow: AI, Automation, and Hybrid Work Models
4w ago00:34:35Summary readyIn a world constantly evolving through technology, understanding how to leverage AI and automation is paramount for business leaders. Join Dr. Darren, our knowledgeable host, as he speaks with Anant, CEO and co-founder of a AppZen, about the transformative potential of AI in organizations and the emerging dynamics of hybrid work models. ## Key Takeaways: - **Revolutionizing Workflows**: Embrace AI as a tool that can enhance human decision-making rather than replacing it. - **Hybrid Work Redefined**: Understand hybrid workflows as a combination of human and AI agents collaborating seamlessly to drive efficiency. - **Evaluating Corporate Culture**: Navigate the challenges of organizational inertia in large companies and leverage empowered decision-making at lower levels. - **AI in Finance**: Discover how AI agents can drastically reduce operational costs while maintaining compliance and operational integrity. - **Rethinking Processes**: Shift focus from just automating existing workflows to fundamentally redefining processes for optimal outcomes. ## Chapters: - 00:00 - Introduction - 02:30 - Anat's Origin Story - 05:15 - The Evolution of Hybrid Work Models - 10:40 - Redefining Hybrid Workflow - 15:55 - The Role of AI in Decision-Making - 22:20 - Challenges in Large Organizations - 28:15 - Closing Thoughts and How to Engage with Anan's Company Embrace the digital transformation and equip yourself with insights that can revolutionize your understanding of automation and hybrid work. If you found this engaging, don't forget to share and amplify the conversation! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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#346 The Lost Art of Mentorship: Why AI Can’t Replace Experience
Apr 2800:32:21Summary readyIn today's fast-paced corporate landscape, the importance of mentorship can often be overlooked, leading to a disconnect between seasoned professionals and new talent. In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Darren, host of *Embracing Digital Transformation*, engages with Richard Brew, founder of True North PMP Consulting, as they delve into the crucial role mentorship plays in fostering effective project management and nurturing future leaders. ## Key Takeaways: - Embrace Mentorship: Mentorship is essential for developing the skills and confidence of new employees, leading to improved project management outcomes and better team performance. - Project Management Basics Matter: Strong foundational knowledge in project management can lead to better outcomes, helping professionals feel more competent and prepared to contribute effectively. - **Invest in People for Long-term Success**: Focusing on developing employees through mentorship is a more sustainable approach than prioritizing short-term results over long-term growth. - Artificial Intelligence is a Tool, Not a Panacea: While AI can enhance productivity, it should complement, not replace, the human element vital for effective mentorship, leadership, and team cohesion. - Cultivating a Mentorship Culture: Companies should actively foster a mentorship culture by establishing formal programs and encouraging experienced professionals to share knowledge, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and skill development. - Networking and Resources: Encourage employees to explore local community colleges and workshops focused on leadership and mentorship, fostering a sense of opportunity and proactive growth within the organization. ## Chapters: - 00:00 - Introduction to Richard Brew and Mentorship - 01:30 - Richard's Origin Story and Corporate Journey - 06:15 - The Importance of Mentorship in Project Management - 12:40 - Challenges in Teaching Project Management Skills - 18:00 - The Impact of AI on Project Management - 23:15 - The Benefits of a Mentorship Culture - 30:00 - Practical Steps for Effective Mentorship - 35:45 - Conclusion and Richard's Contact Information For those eager to understand more about the resurgence of mentorship in today’s corporate environment, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Don't miss out—tune in and rethink how you can implement mentoring strategies within your own organization! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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