Episodes

July 17, 2023

Seizing the Opportunities for AI with Daniel Castro, Director of the Center for Data Innovation

Join us for another episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today to hear a discussion with Daniel Castro, Director of the Center for Data Innovation. By observing AI’s success as a tool in the workforce, education, and government, Daniel sat down with us to discuss how to keep that momentum going for decades to come. This can only be accomplished by removing the misconceptions surrounding these capabilities, and allowing them to be accessible to everyone. Listen in to learn more about ...
July 13, 2023

Thinking Out of the Box with Sandy Barsky, Executive Program Director of Government and Education at Oracle

On this episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we are joined by Sandy Barsky, Executive Program Director of Government and Education at Oracle. In the rapidly-evolving world of AI, Sandy imparted upon us the importance of drawing wisdom and expertise from the innovators in your circle. This ideology has laid the foundation for the work he does now with Oracle, and by providing the next generation of thinkers with the tools they need to remain curious and excited to explore this ...
July 11, 2023

Understanding the Power We Wield with Tristan Harris, Co-Founder of The Center for Humane Technology

On today’s episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we are joined by Tristan Harris, Co-Founder of The Center for Humane Technology. Tristan’s dedication to further understanding the complex relationship between humanity and technology raised some captivating questions about how this current landscape of AI will be navigated by innovators and users alike. As AI gains the ability to do more and more, the need for the proper knowledge to responsibly support them increases along with...
July 10, 2023

Taking a Global Approach to AI with Julie George, Predoctoral Fellow at CISAC and HAI at Stanford University, and PhD Candidate of Government at Cornell University

Join us for another episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today to hear a groundbreaking discussion with Julie George, Predoctoral Fellow at CISAC and HAI at Stanford University, and PhD Candidate of Government at Cornell University. Julie’s work in academia inspires her to not only observe the symbiotic relationship between humans and AI, but to analyze it within a global context. Understanding the significance and implementation of these capabilities across different regions is key ...
July 6, 2023

Breaking Down the Language of AI with Ken Farber, Solution Architect for Artificial Intelligence at Teksynap

Join us for another episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today to hear an insightful discussion with Ken Farber, Solution Architect for Artificial Intelligence at Teksynap. One of the most important aspects of ensuring the best outcomes when interacting with AI is making sure it is equipped with the correct data and language needed to perform its tasks. Ken shared with us that as a result, these models often carry negative biases–leaving us with clues about what is required for the f...
June 29, 2023

Moving with the Speed of AI with Oki Mek, Chief Information Security Officer at Microsoft

Today’s episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today features Oki Mek, Chief Information Security Officer at Microsoft. From serving as the first Chief AI Officer at the HHS to working across government and industry, he shared some of the biggest challenges he and his team have faced in order to provide the best possible applications of AI. Now in the cyber realm, he discussed being able to identify the intersection between these worlds and find solutions to the security risks that the...
June 27, 2023

Creating New Pathways in order to Provide New Outcomes with Nicholas Vandre, U.S. Army Special Operations Command

On this episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we are joined by Nicholas Vandre, U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Nicholas reflected on how using resourcefulness in the face of obstacles has been beneficial in equipping him with a sense of vision within the DoD–a space that requires innovation and flexibility to navigate. Listen in to hear more about why he believes in the effectiveness of finding the intersection of where the human-side and the solution meet as an approach...
June 26, 2023

How We Can Assess the Risks to Amplify Opportunity with LCDR Timothy Beach, Chief Data Officer, Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems, U.S. Navy.

Tune in for another episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today to hear a compelling discussion with LCDR Timothy Beach, Chief Data Officer, Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems, U.S. Navy. When predicting the future of AI, there’s rarely ever just one path that can be taken. Timothy shares that preparing for each of these outcomes with a thorough understanding of emerging capabilities is the key to ensuring safety and security. Listen in to hear more as we unpack what ...
June 22, 2023

Finding the Best Path to Innovation with Luke Douglas, Acting Director of the Office of Strategic Information, Research, & Planning at the Peace Corps

On this episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we are joined by Luke Douglas, Acting Director of the Office of Strategic Information, Research, & Planning at the Peace Corps. Luke’s work with the Peace Corps has been instrumental in setting the framework for AI literacy in all areas and promoting internal collaboration. Stay tuned hear more about how impactful AI and ML models have been to aid in the work being done on a global scale to address and tackle challenges and create s...
June 20, 2023

Accelerating Acquisition with John Ferry, President at Trenchant Analytics, LLC, and Co-Founder/CEO of userogue.com

On today’s episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we sit down with John Ferry, President at Trenchant Analytics, LLC, and Co-Founder/CEO of userogue.com. John sat down with Bonnie to discuss one of Tradewind’s success stories, working with the CDAO on applying AI to the acquisition process. Listen in to hear more about semi-automating the entire contract pipeline, from AI powered contract writing, improving workflow, and a faster acquisition process. CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ ...
June 15, 2023

Reinventing the Standard of Problem-Solving with Mark Beall, CEO and Co-Founder of Gladstone AI

On today’s episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we are joined by Mark Beall, CEO and Co-Founder of Gladstone AI. Mark sat down with us to discuss how his passion for digital transformation led him to create initiatives that helped organizations to better utilize AI. Listen in to hear more about how his work with Gladstone is working with government and industry to support and execute their missions with the guidance and support of emerging technologies. CDAO: https://www.ai....
June 13, 2023

Acceleration as an Initiative with Tyler Sweatt, Chief Revenue Officer at Second Front Systems

On today’s episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we are joined by Tyler Sweatt, Chief Revenue Officer at Second Front Systems. Tyler’s drive for innovation stems from his time in the military and as a consultant–both exposing him to the kinds of capabilities that are required for the future of the defense space. Stay tuned to hear more about the work he’s doing with Second Front Systems to solve technology and security challenges, and the process of accelerating capability tran...
June 12, 2023

Streamlining the Process Through AI with Frank Indiviglio, Chief Technology Officer at NOAA

Join us for another episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, where we are joined by Frank Indiviglio, Chief Technology Officer at NOAA. Artificial intelligence and machine learning play a pivotal role in creating predictive models based on environmental and climate data, and Frank sat down with us to give us some insight on just how impactful these systems are. Listen in to hear more about what’s next for the future of weather forecasting, and the intersection of technical and sci...
June 8, 2023

Putting the End User First with Karen Howard, Executive Director of the Head of the Office of Online Services at the IRS

On this episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we are joined by Karen Howard, Executive Director of the Head of the Office of Online Services at the IRS. Karen shared her passion for creating solutions in the digital space, and how her work with the IRS is using AI and innovative solutions to achieve those goals. Stay tuned to hear more about what kinds of changes are being made to accommodate the rapidly evolving digital landscape, and what skills are proving themselves to be m...
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June 6, 2023

Launching the Next Generation of Autonomy in Robotics with JL Hancock, Author and Consultant

On this episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we are re-joined by Author and Consultant JL Hancock for another riveting discussion about his work in emerging technologies and the future of autonomous robotics. JL shares the importance of identifying a project’s vision, and how it often means the difference between an idea and the end result. Stay tuned to hear more about the future of autonomy through decision-making, and the rubric that is used to assess the scale of autonomy ...
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June 5, 2023

Embracing the Exploration with Amy Hamilton, Senior Cybersecurity Advisor for Policy and Programs, U.S. Department of Energy

Tune in for another episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, to hear a thought-provoking conversation with Amy Hamilton, Senior Cybersecurity Advisor for Policy and Programs at the U.S. Department of Energy. Amy shared with us what she is most excited to see being achieved with AI in the world of cybersecurity, and why the regulation of these emerging technologies will be the best way for us to navigate them as they continue to develop. Stay tuned to hear more about why she believ...
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June 1, 2023

A Deep Dive into Russian AI with Samuel Bendett, Researcher at the Center of Naval Analytics

Join us for another episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, to hear a fascinating discussion with Samuel Bendett, Researcher at the Center of Naval Analytics. As a policy expert, Samuel’s work with the CNA allows him to examine the development of emerging technologies within the Russian military and civilian environment. Stay tuned to learn more about the security and technology tools that are rapidly unfolding as a result of the educational and political landscape, and the proce...
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May 30, 2023

The Motive to Modernize with Rob Albritton, Vice President of Artificial Intelligence Practice and oLabs Lead, Octo

On today’s episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we are joined by Rob Albritton, Vice President of Artificial Intelligence Practice and oLabs Lead of Octo. Rob discussed his work with oLabs and its AI innovation center, and its mission to inspire their team to innovate at the highest level. Stay tuned to learn more about their process for evaluating and creating this technology, the challenges Rob and his team face when acquiring applicable data, and why he believes operational...
May 25, 2023

Ensuring a Thorough Understanding of AI with Dr. Lynne Parker, Associate Vice Chancellor and Director of the AI Tennessee Initiative at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Join us for another episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today to hear an enlightening discussion with Dr. Lynne Parker, Associate Vice Chancellor and Director of the AI Tennessee Initiative at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Dr. Parker’s lifelong curiosity within the AI space continues to inspire her to engage with students at all levels across government and academia. As a leader in this field, she has been at the forefront of countless breakthroughs, and shares just how im...
May 23, 2023

A New Wave in Ocean Technology with Jack Pan, CEO of Ocean Motion Technologies

Join us for another episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, where we sat down with Jack Pan, CEO of Ocean Motion Technologies. Jack’s work with Ocean Motion supports small scale off-grid ocean wave energy devices; tools that have been extremely impactful in the defense space. He shared with us the immense difficulties that innovators face within the ocean technology field, and how organizations like his are working to create more efficient—and waterproof—resources for underwater ...
May 18, 2023

Looking to the Future Through the Lens of AI with John Brennan

Join us for another episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, to hear a conversation with former Special Assistant to the Deputy Director of National Intelligence, John Brennan about his experience with the implementation of AI and emerging technology within government and industry. John discussed his work enabling these capabilities and equipping them with their necessary objectives, and what foundational principles are needed to work alongside them and support problem-solving and...
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May 16, 2023

Re-defining the Digital DNA with Rob Slaughter, CEO, Culture Executive Officer, Defense Unicorns

On today’s episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we are joined by Rob Slaughter, CEO and Culture Executive Officer of Defense Unicorns. Rob sat down with us to discuss his expansive career in software development within both government and industry, and how he was inspired to modernize the digital culture of the department to accommodate its rapidly-evolving atmosphere. Stay tuned to hear more about his mission to establish Defense Unicorns’ core values within the software deve...
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May 11, 2023

Continuing Education with the Aid of AI with Eric Jimenez, Naval Postgraduate School

On this episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we sat down with Eric Jimenez of the Naval Postgraduate School. Eric’s time with the NPS has exposed him to the many uses and implementations of AI, and what measures should be taken in order to reap its benefits. Listen in as he discussed the importance of providing these new technologies with clear and concise mission statements, and how the department plans to do it. CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewind AI: https://www.tradewi...
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May 9, 2023

Spearheading the Next Era in Computing with Arun Majumdar, CEO and Co-Founder, Permion.AI

Join us for another episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, as we are joined by Arun Majumdar, CEO and Co-Founder of Permion.AI. Arun’s background in early software writing and coding served as a fascinating catalyst for his current work specializing in data-oriented computing. Listen in as he discusses the biggest changes he’s witnessed throughout the steady evolution of AI and computer systems, and why he believes it's important to apply a data-oriented approach to the next era...