E004 - AI or Not - Angela Sheffield and Pamela Isom

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.

Can artificial intelligence revolutionize national security? Angela Sheffield, with her extensive background in applied mathematics and operations research, believes it can. In this episode of "AI or Not," Angela shares her extraordinary journey to pivotal roles at the US Department of Energy and the Department of Defense, offering us a front-row seat to the diverse applications of AI in defense. From streamlining administrative tasks to enhancing warfighting capabilities, Angela sheds light on how leveraging commercial AI advancements can significantly improve decision-making and operational efficiency both in the boardroom and on the battlefield.

Bridging the notorious "valley of death" in the national security science and technology sector is no small feat. Angela discusses the vital importance of recruiting talent from research institutions and reimagining internal teams and collaboration methods to ensure research continuity and practical implementation. She emphasizes the necessity of data-driven decision-making and the benefits of digital modernization and cloud technologies, particularly in observing and optimizing new capabilities. This conversation provides invaluable insights into the challenges of transitioning groundbreaking research from national laboratories to practical applications in the defense and federal space.

Trust in new technologies is essential, especially in the context of digital transformation in both military and civilian government sectors. Angela delves into the necessity for process changes and the importance of trust among soldiers and operators towards new technologies. The discussion extends to advancements in digital transformation within health and financial services, reflecting on the progress in governmental sectors outside of defense. By addressing complex problems through low-hanging fruit and leveraging resources effectively, Angela shares how significant progress can be made with strategic foresight and practical problem-solving approaches. Join us for this thought-provoking episode, where mission-driven efforts in AI and digital modernization are explored in depth.

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1. AI in Defense and Digital Modernization (00:00:00)

2. Advancing Research for Digital Modernization (00:14:31)

3. Digital Transformation and AI Implementation (00:23:34)

4. Innovation Through Low Hanging Fruit (00:38:45)