We’re not in a tech crisis.
We’re in a leadership crisis—and AI is just the pressure test.

In this episode of Sense-Making Conversations, Andrea Sampson sits down with Dr. David Bray, former CIO, bipartisan advisor, and one of Business Insider’s “24 Americans Changing the World,” to talk about why our biggest systems—governments, institutions, even communities—are struggling to adapt to exponential change.

David brings decades of frontline experience navigating global disruptions—from bioterrorism to cyber warfare, from pandemics to disinformation. And what he makes clear is this: AI won’t break society. But our failure to respond humanely—and imaginatively—might.

Together, they explore:

Why trust is migrating away from institutions
How fear and anxiety are shaping systems
And what it will take to govern—not with control, but with courage

If you’re wondering what it really means to lead in a time of collapse and creation, this conversation is for you.

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David Bray has spent his life tackling complex global challenges at the intersection of technology, policy, and human resilience—from briefing on bioterrorism preparedness during 9/11 and leading U.S. public health crisis responses, to advising on AI, cybersecurity, and space innovation for government, industry, and global coalitions. He has served as Executive Director for two bipartisan U.S. Commissions, earned national and global recognition for transformational leadership, and was named one of Business Insider’s “24 Americans Changing the World.” A distinguished fellow, keynote speaker, and advisor, David brings a bold, benevolent approach to adaptive leadership in times of rapid change. _____________________________________________________________

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The Crisis Isn’t AI. It’s Leadership with Dr. David Bray