The Public Sector Show by TechTables

#210: Maricopa County's AI Teams Save 100s of Hours (Plus AZ's Child Safety 30-Year Data Strategy & Building AI for Service-First Gov.)Brought to you by:SentinelOne—Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure.Verizon Frontline—The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.Carahsoft—The Trusted Public Sector IT Solutions Provider™, supports government agencies and education/healthcare markets. Contact your Carahsoft rep today to access special discount pricing exclusively through the TechTables + Carahsoft partnership!Featuring:Aaron Judy, Chief of Innovation and Emerging Technologies, Maricopa CountySteven Hintze, Chief Data and Product Officer, Arizona Department of Child SafetyKyle Patel, Lead Product and Engineering, PolimorphicWhat You’ll Learn:How to build working AI prototypes in 10 minutes that impress stakeholders and scale to production (like Maricopa County's animal contact tracing system)Why 30 years of unstructured government data delivers better AI results than traditional structured approaches—and how to leverage itThe proven framework that helped one county identify 100+ AI use cases across 55+ agencies and avoid the "SQL query disguised as AI" trapHow AI can recover 100s of hours worth of staff time by eliminating repetitive tasks while improving citizen experienceThe composable architecture strategy that lets you completely rebuild your AI stack within 30 days of production release without losing momentumTimestamps(06:00) Why 30 Years of Unstructured Data Beats Clean Databases(10:00) Beyond Press 1 Press 2: True AI Automation vs. Labor Shifting(13:00) The 10-Minute Prototype That Impressed Animal Care Directors(18:00) What Vendors Get Wrong: Extracting vs. Creating Value for Government(22:00) AI as Therapy: Validating Difficult Caseworker Decisions(30:00) The Mom Test in Government: Solving Real vs. Requested Problems(34:00) Innovation Roadshows: Getting 55 Agencies to Embrace Emerging Tech(37:00) Future Vision: Decentralized Identity and 24/7 Government(42:00) Amazon-Level Service: Building Public Trust Through Better Technology(47:00) Failing Fast with Grace: Building Psychological Safety for InnovationConnect🤝 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/🐦 Connect on Twitter: https://x.com/thejoetoste🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/📽️ Subscribe here: ‪ https://www.youtube.com/@techtablesWhenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.Join now: https://www.techtables.com/2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.CXOs Only Join Now: The Collaboratory: https://www.techtables.com/collaboratory3. 🤝 The Better Together Series: a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action. Email me at joe@techtables.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit techtables.substack.com

#209: Teena Piccione, J.R. Sloan, Mark Wittenberg, Jonathan Feldman & Joe Durante [Better Together Series]Brought to you by:SentinelOne—Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure.Verizon Frontline—The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.Carahsoft—The Trusted Public Sector IT Solutions Provider™, supports government agencies and education/healthcare markets. Contact your Carahsoft rep today to access special discount pricing exclusively through the TechTables + Carahsoft partnership!Featuring:Teena Piccione, Secretary and State CIO, North CarolinaJ.R. Sloan, State CIO, ArizonaMark Wittenburg, CIO, City of RaleighJonathan Feldman, CIO, Wake CountyJoe Durante, Chief Technology and Innovation Strategist, Dell TechnologiesWhat You’ll Learn:How North Carolina's State CIO (from Google, AT&T, Fidelity, and more!) attracted world-class talent by selling the "most insane job" with the biggest data set and playground they'd ever seeWhy shifting from "customers" to "colleagues and partners" eliminated IT roadblocks and built trust with departments like public safetyHow to slash state procurement timelines from 9+ months to 45 days using proactive vendor negotiations and continuous pipeline management that saves agencies money to spend elsewhereArizona's AI governance framework that approved 15+ use cases saving employees 2.5 hours per week while protecting data through questionnaires and sandbox environments across 130+ agenciesWhy city councils care more about AI's environmental impact than security risks, and how CIOs are building sustainability requirements into procurement policiesTimestamps(01:00) Meet the Powerhouse Pod: State CIOs from NC & AZ + City & County Leaders + Dell(06:00) The "Most Insane Job" Pitch: How to Recruit World-Class Talent(11:00) Building Your Network Before You Need It: Relationship-Based Recruiting(15:00) Screening for Heart: Finding Candidates Who Care About Mission Over Money(19:00) Language That Transforms: From "Customers" to "Colleagues and Partners"(22:00) Procurement Revolution: Slashing 9-Month Timelines to 45 Days(26:00) Arizona's GenAI Use Cases: 15+ Approved Use Cases Saving 2.5 Hours Per Week(33:00) AI in Action: Predictive Policing and Real-Time Crime Centers(36:00) Surprising City Council Reaction: Environmental Impact Over Security Fears(40:00) Legacy Modernization Strategy: Leading with Pain Points and Value(46:00) Leadership Philosophy: The Power of Leading to Give vs. Get(50:00) Building Teams That Last: Developing People Before Processes(53:00) True Collaboration: Staying Curious, Connected, and InnovativeConnect🤝 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/🐦 Connect on Twitter: https://x.com/thejoetoste🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/📽️ Subscribe here: ‪ https://www.youtube.com/@techtablesWhenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.Join now: https://www.techtables.com/2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.CXOs Only Join Now: The Collaboratory: https://www.techtables.com/collaboratory3. 🤝 The Better Together Series: The narrative-driven series bringing together industry partners and public sector CXOs. Discover the compelling stories that unfold when we stop working in silos and start building together. Email me at joe@techtables.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit techtables.substack.com

#208: Texas County Women Leading 6M+ Residents: From Flooded Data Centers to AI Innovation Lab to Building Unbreakable Teams [2024 Houston Live Podcast Tour]Brought to you by:SentinelOne—Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure.Verizon Frontline—The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.Carahsoft—The Trusted Public Sector IT Solutions Provider™, supports government agencies and education/healthcare markets. Contact your Carahsoft rep today to access special discount pricing exclusively through the TechTables + Carahsoft partnership!Featuring:Sindhu Menon, CIO & Executive Director of Universal Services, Harris CountyRobyn Doughtie, CIO, Fort Bend CountyMisty Witmer, CIO, Galveston CountyMani Nagothu, Field CISO, SentinelOneWhat You’ll Learn:How Harris County's innovation lab is testing AI and emerging technologies while building nimble, resident-centric, and resilient operationsWhy Fort Bend County successfully processed 30,000 ServiceNow tickets while reducing active projects from 200 to 86 through strategic prioritizationGalveston County's approach to coastal resilience, including data center failover systems and business continuity planning for hurricane seasonsThe strategic evolution of cybersecurity leadership from technical expertise to enterprise risk management integrationHow county CIOs are building the next generation through customer experience academies, with one leader surprising her team with new leadership training objectivesTimestamps(01:00) Meet the Texas County Women: 6M+ Residents Served(03:00) Building Nimble, Resident-Centric Organizations During Transformation(07:00) Strategic Leadership Team Development: CTO, Justice Technology Leaders(09:00) From Pennsylvania to Texas Coast: Modernization in Hurricane Territory(12:00) ServiceNow and Workday Implementation: Balancing Resources and Priorities(14:00) Data Center Flooding Lessons: "Basements in Houston Area, Not a Good Idea"(17:00) Emergency Preparedness: Raleigh vs Houston Regional Differences(20:00) Coastal Resilience: Building Continuity Systems That Never Go Offline(26:00) Digital Equity and Broadband: Beyond Infrastructure to Digital Literacy(30:00) Court System Modernization: Business Intelligence Transforming Resident Services(36:00) Lifting Teams Up: Leadership Development and Internal Promotion StrategiesConnect🤝 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/🐦 Connect on Twitter: https://x.com/thejoetoste🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/📽️ Subscribe here: ‪ https://www.youtube.com/@techtablesWhenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.Join now: https://www.techtables.com/2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.CXOs Only Join Now: The Collaboratory: https://www.techtables.com/collaboratory3. 🤝 The Better Together Series: a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action. Email me at joe@techtables.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit techtables.substack.com

#207: Bringing Soldiers Home to Building the Digital Identity with Blake Hall, Founder & CEO, ID.meBrought to you by:SentinelOne—Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure.Verizon Frontline—The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.Carahsoft—The Trusted Public Sector IT Solutions Provider™, supports government agencies and education/healthcare markets. Contact your Carahsoft rep today to access special discount pricing exclusively through the TechTables + Carahsoft partnership!Featuring:Blake Hall, Founder & CEO, ID.meWhat You’ll Learn:How Blake's grandfather earned a Bronze Star with Valor at Anzio and established three leadership rules that shaped three generations of soldiersWhy Roy, an Iraqi interpreter, became a life-changing mission that demonstrated the true meaning of bringing everyone homeHow ID.me is building the identity layer for the internet with a digital wallet that puts consumers in control of their dataThe four immutable character traits Blake screens for: optimism, kindness over niceness, fight-or-flight control, and zero tolerance for jerksStrategic fundraising lessons from raising over $100 million while maintaining company control and avoiding liquidation preference trapsTimestamps(01:00) Military Heritage: Three Generations of Soldiers from WWII to Iraq (02:00) Grandfather's Bronze Star: Saving His Unit at Anzio Against Nazi Machine Guns (04:00) The Three Family Rules: Humility, Hard Assignments, and Leadership Lessons (05:00) Roy's Story: Meeting the Iraqi Interpreter Who Looked Like a "Water Boy" (07:00) Combat Reality: 19 of 22 Interpreters Executed Over 24 Months (08:00) The Promise: "I'm Going to Bring All My Guys Home" (13:00) Combat to Civilian: "Where Do I Go on Friday to Hang Out?" (14:00) ID.me's Mission: Building the Identity Layer for the Internet (15:00) Digital Wallets Beyond Payments: Privacy Filters and Never Do Same Thing Twice (21:00) Core Value #1: "Don't Be a Jerk" - Zero Tolerance Policy (22:00) Core Value #2: "Kind vs. Nice" - Truth-Telling Over People-Pleasing (23:00) Core Value #3: "No Pessimists" - The Apollo 13 Mindset (25:00) Hiring Strategy: Screening for Immutable Character Traits First (27:00) Duke Basketball Example: Coach K's "We're Gonna Win" Leadership (31:00) Fundraising Timing: Running Experiments Before Raising Capital (34:00) Paul Graham's Wisdom: "Love from Few vs. Lukewarm from Many" (36:00) Founding Team Dynamics: Complementary Skills and Vesting Agreements (39:00) Strategic Investors: USAA Partnership Without Control Strings (40:00) Crossover Funds: Viking Global's $100M+ Rounds Without Board Control (42:00) The Four Business Questions: Size, Frequency, Price, and Moats (45:00) Book Recommendations: Military Leadership to Tech InnovationConnect🤝 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/🐦 Connect on Twitter: https://x.com/thejoetoste🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/📽️ Subscribe here: ‪ https://www.youtube.com/@techtablesWhenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.Join now: https://www.techtables.com/2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.CXOs Only Join Now: The Collaboratory: https://www.techtables.com/collaboratory3. 🤝 The Better Together Series: a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action. Email me at joe@techtables.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit techtables.substack.com

#206: Heavy is the Head that Wears the Crown - Navy SEAL to Extreme OwnershipBrought to you by:SentinelOne—Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure.Verizon Frontline—The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.Carahsoft—The Trusted Public Sector IT Solutions Provider™, supports government agencies and education/healthcare markets. Contact your Carahsoft rep today to access special discount pricing exclusively through the TechTables + Carahsoft partnership!Featuring:JP Dinnell, former U.S. Navy SEAL, Leadership Instructor, Speaker, and Strategic Advisor, Echelon FrontWhat You’ll Learn:How JP went from being served divorce papers on his anniversary to rebuilding his marriage using extreme ownership principlesWhy Task Unit Bruiser became the most highly decorated special operations unit of the Iraq War by putting team firstThe dangerous transition trap that destroys military veterans (and how to avoid it by establishing a clear new mission)JP's daily "war against complacency" strategy that protects your marriage, business, and health from gradual decayThe 3 pillars of elite mastery that took JP from Delta Platoon sniper to Echelon Front leadership instructorTimestamps(03:12) JP's SEAL Team Background and Combat Experience(07:55) The Dark Transition: When Everything Falls Apart(11:00) Driving Ownership: Lessons from Ramadi Combat Operations(17:00) Extreme Ownership: The Path Out of Dark Places(22:00) Entrepreneurship as the Ultimate Reality Check(25:00) Declaring War on Complacency Every Single Day(31:00) Humility: The #1 Trait of Combat-Effective Leaders(38:00) Three Pillars of Elite Mastery: Discipline, Patience, Dedication(42:00) Echelon Front's FTX: Real-Time Leadership Under PressureConnect🤝 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/🐦 Connect on Twitter: https://x.com/thejoetoste🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/📽️ Subscribe here: ‪ https://www.youtube.com/@techtablesWhenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.Join now: https://www.techtables.com/2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.CXOs Only Join Now: The Collaboratory: https://www.techtables.com/collaboratory3. 🤝 The Better Together Series: a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action. Email me at joe@techtables.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit techtables.substack.com

#205: From Hurricane Harvey to Beryl: Houston's "One Family" Emergency Response [2024 Houston Live Podcast Tour]Brought to you by:SentinelOne—Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure.Verizon Frontline—The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.Carahsoft—The Trusted Public Sector IT Solutions Provider™, supports government agencies and education/healthcare markets. Contact your Carahsoft rep today to access special discount pricing exclusively through the TechTables + Carahsoft partnership!Featuring:Summer Xiao, Deputy CIO - EAS/PMO, City of HoustonJane Wu, Deputy Director - Data Privacy & Business Operations Management, City of HoustonBert Quarfordt, Deputy Chief Information Officer (DCIO) - IT Infrastructure, City of HoustonWhat You’ll Learn:How Houston's IT team evolved emergency response protocols through nine federally declared disasters, building bench strength after losing key expertiseWhy pre-positioned contracts and vendor partnerships are critical for rapid emergency deployment without compromising standards or securityHow Hurricane Beryl knocked out power to 350+ city locations serving 2.6 million residents and the specific recovery strategies usedThe "one family approach" that transforms team culture through initiatives like Summer's snack cart and cross-departmental collaborationWhy cloud-first infrastructure strategies provide essential resilience when local data centers fail during natural disastersTimestamps(03:00) 9 Federal Disasters: Building Emergency Response Bench Strength(08:00) Hurricane Beryl: 350+ Locations Lost Power, 2.6M Residents Affected(12:00) Tier One Response: From Prep to Recovery Operations(17:00) 311 Crisis: Data Center Meltdown During Emergency Response(25:00) Keeping 911 Systems Operational When Infrastructure Fails(31:00) The "One Family Approach": Crisis Collaboration That Actually Works(34:00) Summer Snacks: Building Team Culture Through Food and Connection(40:00) AI and Cloud-First: Future-Proofing Against Climate Disasters(45:00) Crisis Leadership Lessons for Public Sector CXOsConnect🤝 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/🐦 Connect on Twitter: https://x.com/thejoetoste🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/📽️ Subscribe here: ‪ https://www.youtube.com/@techtablesWhenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.Join now: https://www.techtables.com/2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.CXOs Only Join Now: The Collaboratory: https://www.techtables.com/collaboratory3. 🤝 The Better Together Series: a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action. Email me at joe@techtables.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit techtables.substack.com

#204: Why Texas DMV Chose $6M in Planning Over $150M (Plus TDLR's 25-Program Modernization) [Houston 2024]Brought to you by:SentinelOne—Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure.Verizon Frontline—The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.Carahsoft—The Trusted Public Sector IT Solutions Provider™, supports government agencies and education/healthcare markets. Contact your Carahsoft rep today to access special discount pricing exclusively through the TechTables + Carahsoft partnership!Featuring:Wendy Barron, CIO, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)Courtney Arbour, Executive Director, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)What You’ll Learn:How choosing $6 million in planning funds over $150 million in immediate funding can lead to better modernization outcomes at Texas DMVThe strategic approach to consolidating 25+ programs and 8 legacy licensing systems at TDLR into a unified platformHow Texas DMV interfaces with 254 counties through 500+ Tax Assessor Collector offices and plans to streamline manual processes using RPAThe innovative use of regulatory authority to combat human trafficking through emergency facility closures and cross-agency data sharingWhy building relationships with vendor communities and stakeholder feedback loops drives successful transformation in governmentTimestamps(03:00) Why Licensing is Workforce Development: Career Transition Strategy(05:00) $6M vs $150M: How DMV Chose Planning Over Quick Implementation(08:00) 25+ Programs, 8 Legacy Systems: TDLR's Consolidation Strategy(11:00) Solving the "Page 10 Error": RPA for 500+ County Tax Offices(16:00) 35 Facilities Closed: Using Tech Authority to Combat Human Trafficking(18:00) Multi-State CIO Networks: Learning from Florida, California, Arizona(21:00) Innovation Sources: Vendor Partnerships and Stakeholder Feedback Loops(25:00) 2025 Execution Plan: Balancing Quick Wins with Long-Term Vision(27:00) New York's Planning Failures: Expensive Lessons for Texas ModernizationConnect🤝 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/🐦 Connect on Twitter: https://x.com/thejoetoste🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/📽️ Subscribe here: ‪ https://www.youtube.com/@techtablesWhenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.Join now: https://www.techtables.com/2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.CXOs Only Join Now: The Collaboratory: https://www.techtables.com/collaboratory3. 🤝 The Better Together Series: a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action. Email me at joe@techtables.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit techtables.substack.com

#203: UHCL's 6-Week Leadership Pivot + AI Student Concierge + NASA Innovation Culture [Houston 2024]Brought to you by:SentinelOne—Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure.Verizon Frontline—The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.Carahsoft—The Trusted Public Sector IT Solutions Provider™, supports government agencies and education/healthcare markets. Contact your Carahsoft rep today to access special discount pricing exclusively through the TechTables + Carahsoft partnership!Featuring:Dr. LeeBrian Gaskins, Senior Associate Vice President of IT/CIO at University of Houston-Clear LakeWhat You’ll Learn:- 6-week crisis leadership insights: How Dr. Gaskins built team trust and executed digital transformation during COVID with a brand-new team- AI concierge vision for higher ed: Real-world use cases for student support systems that access enterprise data and provide personalized recommendations- NASA's cultural influence on tech strategy: How space program values of exploration and resilience shape innovation approaches in higher education- Email security culture building: Lessons from achieving 96-97% spam filtering while shifting user behavior from "fix later" to "safety first"- Collaboration as "magnifier and multiplier": Why Texas higher ed leaders prioritize peer networking and mentorship for amplified problem-solvingTimestamps00:34 - Introduction and NASA Memorabilia Space Tour01:00 - Dr. Gaskins' Journey: West Virginia to NASA's Backyard03:00 - Childhood Space Dreams Driving Technology Innovation05:00 - International Business Background and Cross-Border Tech08:00 - Texas Higher Ed Collaboration Networks and Mentorship11:00 - Collaboration as a "Magnifier and Multiplier" Strategy13:00 - NASA's Cultural Influence on STEM and Resilience17:00 - 6-Week COVID Crisis Leadership with New Team23:00 - Human-Centric Tech: Internet Access and TTY Device Stories28:00 - AI in Higher Ed: Ethics, Policy, and Student Experience34:00 - AI Concierge Vision: Enterprise Data and Student Support41:00 - Email Security Culture: 96-97% Spam Filtering Success45:00 - EDUCAUSE Takeaways and Cross-Pollination BenefitsConnect🤝 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/🐦 Connect on Twitter: https://x.com/thejoetoste🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/📽️ Subscribe here: ‪ https://www.youtube.com/@techtablesWhenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.Join now: https://www.techtables.com/2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.CXOs Only Join Now: The Collaboratory: https://www.techtables.com/collaboratory3. 🤝 The Better Together Series: a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action. Email me at joe@techtables.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit techtables.substack.com

#202: UTSA's Bold Careers 85+ Student Program + UCLA's 2028 Olympics Campus Transformation [EDUCAUSE 2024]Brought to you by:SentinelOne—Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure.Verizon Frontline—The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.Carahsoft—The Trusted Public Sector IT Solutions Provider™, supports government agencies and education/healthcare markets. Contact your Carahsoft rep today to access special discount pricing exclusively through the TechTables + Carahsoft partnership!Featuring:Dr. Vanessa Kenon, Associate VP for Technology Compliance and Community Engagement, University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)Dr. Joe Way, Executive Director of Digital Spaces, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)What You’ll Learn:How UTSA's Bold Careers program expanded to serve over 85 students through partnerships with Rackspace, Dell Technologies, and DoD contractorsWhy eSports is a multi-billion dollar industry creating new career pathways for students beyond traditional gaming rolesUCLA's strategic preparation to serve as Olympic Village for the 2028 Olympics while increasing enrollment by 20-25%The importance of creating frictionless campus experiences that integrate technology across dorms, classrooms, and eventsHow digital twins of campus spaces can optimize resources, improve sustainability, and transform the educational experienceTimestamps(02:24) UTSA's Bold Careers: Expanding to 85+ Students with Industry Partners (05:00) UCLA's Digital Transformation and Olympic Village Preparation (07:58) Student Success Stories: Building Experience and Careers (11:11) "Students Are Their Own Brand": The Modern Education Model (14:22) eSports as a Multi-Billion Dollar Career Pathway (17:47) UCLA's Vision: Creating a Frictionless Campus Experience (20:59) Digital Twin Campus: Optimizing Resources and Sustainability (28:59) Meeting Students Where They Are: The Future of LearningConnect🤝 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/🐦 Connect on Twitter: https://x.com/thejoetoste🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/📽️ Subscribe here: ‪ https://www.youtube.com/@techtablesWhenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates. Join now: https://www.techtables.com/2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.CXOs Only Join Now: The Collaboratory: https://www.techtables.com/collaboratory3. 🤝 The Better Together Series: a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action. Email me at joe@techtables.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit techtables.substack.com

#201: UHCL's NASA Partnership + UT System's Enterprise AI Strategy [EDUCAUSE 2024]Brought to you by:SentinelOne—Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure.Verizon Frontline—The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.Carahsoft—The Trusted Public Sector IT Solutions Provider™, supports government agencies and education/healthcare markets. Contact your Carahsoft rep today to access special discount pricing exclusively through the TechTables + Carahsoft partnership!Featuring:- Dr. LeeBrian Gaskins, Senior Associate Vice President of IT/CIO at University of Houston-Clear Lake- William Huang, Deputy CIO, University of Texas SystemWhat You’ll Learn:Student-Centered Innovation in Higher EdUT System declared 2024 as "the year of the student," implementing the 25-year-old Archer Center Fellows program that brings 30-40 undergraduate, graduate, and medical students to Washington D.C. for leadership developmentThe UT System's 12-week summer internship program provides students with 9 hours weekly of professional development alongside functional work in IT, business, accounting, and legal areasUHCL prioritizes graduate education growth through collaborative approaches with other Houston institutions, rejecting the "zero-sum game" mentality in student recruitment to create shared student successEnterprise AI Implementation StrategyUT Health Houston formalized a major partnership with OpenAI to provide advanced AI tools for medical students and clinical faculty, representing one of several mission-specific AI implementationsUT System has deployed a multi-node private AI cluster at their shared data center for all 14 institutions to develop business use cases, creating a secure on-premises AI environmentUHCL is developing 24/7 AI tutoring systems that help students identify knowledge gaps before exams and using AI analytics to mine historical student data for previously unrecognized improvement opportunitiesCross-Campus Collaboration FrameworkThe UT System achieves economies of scale by site-licensing Microsoft tools for all 256,000 students, faculty, staff and clinicians across its 14 institutionsUHCL collaborates with neighboring Houston campuses to create consistent experiences for faculty who teach across multiple institutions and share licensing resourcesRegional partnerships between campuses with similar demographics (like Hispanic-serving institutions) enable targeted technology solutions for specific student populationsSpace & AI Educational InnovationUHCL was established through direct partnership with NASA, whose director requested graduate education facilities near the space center 50 years agoThe university houses NASA archives through the Space Act and maintains strong aerospace engineering and space exploration business programsUT San Antonio and UT Health San Antonio jointly created one of the first programs combining a medical degree with a master's in AI, featuring three years of medical education, one year of AI focus, and a capstone integration yearTimestamps01:37 - William Huang's background and DJ experience02:00 - 2024: "The Year of the Student" and Archer Center Fellows04:42 - Enterprise AI Strategy across UT System07:58 - UHCL's AI Policy and Student Success Applications10:53 - Balancing System-Wide Initiatives Across 14 UT Institutions12:00 - Regional Collaboration Between Houston Area Campuses16:24 - UHCL's NASA Connection and Aerospace Focus19:25 - How AI Will Transform Digital TransformationConnect🤝 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/🐦 Connect on Twitter: https://x.com/thejoetoste🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/📽️ Subscribe here: ‪ https://www.youtube.com/@techtablesWhenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.Join now: https://www.techtables.com/2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.CXOs Only Join Now: The Collaboratory: https://www.techtables.com/collaboratory3. 🤝 The Better Together Series: a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action. Email me at joe@techtables.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit techtables.substack.com