

Embracing Digital Transformation
Dr. Darren Pulsipher
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 7, 2023 • 29min
#157 Operationalizing GenAI
Dr. Jeffrey Lancaster discusses the different sharing models of generative AI, including public, private, and blended approaches. They explore the benefits and constraints of each model and how organizations can customize AI responses without starting from scratch. The podcast also covers the importance of understanding AI architectures, controlling model features, and creating AI personas in different contexts.

Sep 5, 2023 • 28min
#156 Becoming a Data Ready Organization
In the podcast episode, retired Rear Admiral Ron Fritzmeier joins host Darren Pulsipher to discuss the importance of data management in the context of generative artificial intelligence (AI). With a background in electrical engineering and extensive experience in the cyber and cybersecurity fields, Ron provides valuable insights into the evolving field of data management and its critical role in organizational success in the digital age.Evolution of Data Management: From Manual to AutomationRon begins the conversation by highlighting the manual and labor-intensive data management process in his career's early days. Data management requires meticulous manual effort in industries like nuclear weapons systems and space due to the systems' high reliability and complexity. However, as the world has become more data-driven and reliant on technology, organizations have recognized the need to transform data into more usable and effective ways.Challenges in Data Management: Complexity and QualityRon shares a compelling example from his experience in the Navy, discussing the challenges of managing data for ships during maintenance and modernization cycles. The complexity of ship systems and the harsh maritime environment make thorough data analysis and planning crucial for successful maintenance and repairs. This highlights the importance of data quality and its impact on operational efficiency and decision-making.Data Readiness and AutomationTaking advantage of automation requires organizations to focus on data quality. Any errors or missing data become critical in the automated analysis and assessment process. To address this, organizations need to improve data collection from the start. Organizations can minimize errors and improve data quality by designing systems that make data collection easier and consider the person collecting the data as a customer.A holistic approach to data readiness is also crucial. This involves recognizing the different stages of data readiness, from collection to management and processing. By continually improving in each area, organizations can ensure that their data is high quality and ready to support various operations and technologies like generative AI.Filtering the Noise: Strategic Data AnalyticsData analytics plays a vital role in driving strategic value for organizations. Ron and Darren discuss the importance of filtering data based on relevance to objectives and focusing on what is truly important. Not all data will be valuable or necessary for analysis, and organizations should align their data collection with their goals to avoid wasting resources.Furthermore, the conversation emphasizes that data doesn't have to be perfect to be helpful. While precision and accuracy are essential in some cases, "good enough" data can still provide valuable insights. By recognizing the value of a range of data, organizations can avoid striving for perfection and focus on leveraging the insights available.Uncovering Unexpected Value: Embracing PossibilitiesThe podcast also explores the potential of generative AI in enhancing data collection. Organizations can gather more meaningful information and uncover new insights by using interactive forms and conversational interfaces. This opens up possibilities for improved data analysis and decision-making, mainly when data collection is crucial.The discussion concludes with a reminder that data analytics is a continuous learning journey. Organizations should be open to exploring new technologies and approaches, always seeking to discover unexpected value in their data.ConclusionIn an increasingly data-driven world, becoming a data-ready organization is crucial for success. By understanding the evolution of data management, focusing on data quality and readiness, and embracing the possibilities of strategic data analytics, organizations can unlock the power of data to drive innovation, optimize operations, and make informed decisions. This podcast episode provides valuable insights and highlights the importance of data management and analytics in the digital age.#datamanagement, #automation, #dataquality, #strategicanalytics, #generativeai, #digitaltransformation, #datadriveninsights, #datareadiness, #innovation, #decisionmaking, #technologytrends, #businessintelligence, #datastrategy, #analytics, #bigdata, #continuouslearning, #operationalefficiency, #dataoptimization, #datainnovation, #emrbacingdigital, #edt156

Aug 31, 2023 • 34min
#155 GenAI Advisor for Datacenter Management
In the "Embracing Digital Transformation" podcast episode, Chief Solution Architect Darren Pulsipher interviews Greg Campbell, the CTO of Verge.io. The conversation revolves around innovative infrastructure management solutions and augmented intelligence's potential. Greg shares his background as a software developer and entrepreneur, discussing the challenges he aimed to address with Verge.io, a company focused on simplifying infrastructure management in distributed servers.Simplifying Complex Infrastructure ManagementManaging infrastructure in today's digital landscape poses significant challenges. The complexity arises from various components, vendors, licenses, and versioning. This necessitates skilled staff and often results in high costs and a need for more expertise. While the cloud was initially seen as a solution, it introduced its complexities.Verge.io offers a solution through its operating system, VergeOS. This system allows developers to easily manage and connect storage, computing, and networking resources across different hardware configurations. By providing a virtual data center, VergeOS simplifies infrastructure management, making it more intuitive and user-friendly.The Potential of Generative AI in Infrastructure ManagementGreg also discusses his interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential applications. He shares his experiences with generative AI and its use in infrastructure management. Greg explores how the automation of infrastructure and data center management through generative AI can simplify complex processes and streamline resource management.Generative AI can automate infrastructure management, eliminating the need for specialized experts and improving efficiency. It has the potential to revolutionize user interface design and adaptive interfaces, making the infrastructure management process more intuitive and user-friendly.Augmented Intelligence as a Valuable AssistantAugmented intelligence is the combination of human and machine intelligence. Augmented intelligence enhances human capabilities and decision-making by providing insights and answers to complex problems. It is intended to assist, rather than replace, human judgment in making informed decisions.Greg emphasizes that their accuracy and predictive abilities improve as AI models become more significant and more sophisticated. Augmented intelligence can be applied in various industries, such as customer support, where AI models can respond to customer queries and aid human agents in finding solutions. It can also assist in managing remote sites or offices and guiding on-site personnel needing more expertise in certain areas.The Future of Digital TransformationThe podcast concludes with a discussion on the future of augmented intelligence and its potential impact on industries and the workforce. Greg's optimism lies in the ability of augmented intelligence to improve efficiency and productivity, but with a recognition that it should not replace human judgment entirely. The conversation highlights the importance of careful implementation, ongoing human oversight, and ethical considerations when leveraging augmented intelligence.Overall, this podcast episode offers valuable insights into innovative infrastructure management solutions, the potential of generative AI in streamlining processes, and the benefits of augmented intelligence as a helpful assistant. It demonstrates the power of embracing digital transformation and leveraging technology to drive organizational efficiency and success.

Aug 29, 2023 • 30min
#154 Generative AI Use Cases
In the latest episode Dr. Jeffrey Lancaster and Darren Pulsipher dive into the practical use cases of generative AI and how it can unleash human creativity in various fields.Generative AI is a transformative technology that can augment human creativity, enhance collaboration, and unlock new possibilities for work and communication. By leveraging AI's capabilities, individuals can generate content, summarize emails, and automate routine tasks, while maintaining human touch and individuality.Unleashing Human CreativityUnderstanding the Data Landscape and Setting Clear GoalsDr. Lancaster emphasizes the importance of understanding the type of data you want to either use or create before delving into generative AI. Whether it's text, images, music, videos, or audio, having a clear understanding of your input and desired output enables you to select the most appropriate tools and platforms.Augmenting Human Creativity with AIOne of the key takeaways from the podcast is the role of generative AI in augmenting human creativity rather than replacing it. AI tools act as catalysts, enhancing and propelling human creativity to new heights. By combining the innovative mindset of humans with the capabilities of AI, individuals can solve complex problems and generate groundbreaking ideas that traditional approaches alone cannot achieve.Collaboration and Brainstorming with AIGenerative AI opens doors to collaboration and brainstorming. AI can serve as an additional voice in group discussions, sparking new perspectives and prompting fruitful conversations. This collaborative aspect is particularly valuable in group settings, where AI can listen to conversations, facilitate discussions, and help consolidate ideas into a consensus.Unleashing the Power of Generative AIGenerative AI holds immense potential to unlock creativity, augment human capabilities, and offer fresh perspectives and solutions to challenges. Whether you're a developer, researcher, or simply curious about AI, there is a wealth of opportunities to explore and create with generative AI.Practical Applications of Generative AI in the WorkplaceIn addition to the insights shared in the podcast, there are numerous practical applications of generative AI that can revolutionize our work processes. Let's explore a few of them:Summarizing Lengthy Emails and Streamlining CommunicationBusy professionals often receive lengthy emails that consume valuable time. Generative AI can help by analyzing the email content and generating a concise summary that captures the main points and key takeaways. This allows recipients to grasp important information quickly and make informed decisions without spending excessive time reading through the entire email.Automating Content CreationGenerative AI can automate the creation of reports, articles, and other written content. By inputting relevant data or information into a generative AI tool, journalists and content creators can generate complete articles or reports based on that input. This saves significant time and resources, especially for those who need to produce large amounts of content regularly.Enhancing Artistic CreativityCreatives in art and music can leverage generative AI to explore new styles, techniques, and inspirations. AI can assist artists in generating ideas, composing music, and creating visual content. With the power of generative AI, artists can expand their creative horizons and push boundaries in their respective fields.Balancing Automation and Human TouchWhile generative AI offers incredible potential, it is crucial to maintain human oversight and intervention to ensure accuracy, context, and preserve individuality. Trusting AI-generated content blindly without human intervention can lead to homogenization in the digital landscape. It's essential to strike a balance between automation and the human touch, where AI enhances human creativity rather than replacing it.As generative AI continues to evolve, we can expect to witness its integration into various aspects of work and communication. From summarizing emails to automating content creation and enabling new forms of artistic expression, generative AI has the capacity to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and unlock new possibilities for innovation. Embracing this technology, while upholding human creativity and uniqueness, will shape the future of work in remarkable ways.

Aug 24, 2023 • 30min
#153 Training the Next Generation in AI
In this podcast episode, Pete Schmitz, a retired Intel account executive, talks about his work with high school students in teaching them about AI and how to use it in their robotics competitions. He explains that these competitions require the use of autonomy, and AI is a crucial component in achieving that. Pete shares an example of how computer vision, powered by AI, is used in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's unmanned surface vehicle, DARPA D Hunter.Harnessing the Power of Linear Algebra and Calculus in AILinear algebra and calculus form the backbone of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and systems. In a recent podcast episode, Pete Schmitz, a retired Intel employee and AI enthusiast, highlights the importance of understanding these fundamental mathematical concepts in the context of AI.Linear algebra is crucial in AI, particularly in tasks such as image recognition. Through matrix multiplication, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are able to process and analyze vast amounts of image data, enabling the identification and classification of objects in images. Calculus, on the other hand, is utilized in training AI models through techniques like gradient descent, where the algorithm continuously adjusts its parameters based on the rate of change of a given function.Schmitz emphasizes the value of students learning these subjects in school, as it provides them with a solid foundation to delve into the world of AI. Understanding the fundamentals enables students to build on the knowledge and advancements made by previous generations in the field of AI. With the exponential growth in technology, AI is evolving rapidly, allowing for more efficient and automated solutions to previously laborious tasks.AI's Transformative Impact Across IndustriesThe podcast also delves into the transformative impact of AI across various industries. AI-powered systems are enabling advancements in healthcare, retail, and several other sectors. For instance, AI is being utilized in healthcare to detect and diagnose diseases like cancer, improving the accuracy and efficiency of healthcare professionals. In the retail sector, AI is used to analyze customer shopping habits and provide personalized recommendations, enhancing the overall shopping experience.Furthermore, the hosts discuss the recent advancements in generative AI models, such as transformers. These models have the ability to identify underlying patterns in large datasets, facilitating data analysis and decision-making. By leveraging transformers and generative models, industries can unlock valuable insights and drive innovation.Fostering Innovation and Adapting to New TechnologiesInnovation is a key theme throughout the podcast episode. The hosts stress the importance of organizations embracing new technologies and processes to stay relevant in today's rapidly evolving world. It is essential to foster a comprehensive ecosystem that supports innovation in various industries, providing specialized tools and services for different aspects of innovation.The podcast also encourages empowering new talent in engineering, business, and marketing roles to think outside traditional norms and embrace fresh perspectives. By breaking free from outdated processes and ways of thinking, organizations can tap into the potential of their employees and drive innovation.The guest speaker, Pete Schmitz, emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the face of technological advancements and digital transformations. Organizations must evolve and embrace change to avoid becoming obsolete in the competitive landscape.In conclusion, this podcast episode sheds light on the significance of linear algebra and calculus in AI, the transformative impact of AI across industries, and the importance of fostering innovation and adapting to new technologies. Through a comprehensive understanding of AI fundamentals, harnessing transformative technologies, and fostering innovation, organizations can seize the vast opportunities presented by digital transformation and stay ahead in the evolving world of AI.

Aug 22, 2023 • 37min
#152 Practical Generative AI
In this episode of the podcast Embracing Digital Transformation, host Darren Pulsipher engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Lancaster. Their discussion delves into the practical applications of generative AI and the profound impact it is set to bring across various industries.

Aug 17, 2023 • 32min
#151 Understanding Generative AI
In this episode, host Darren Pulsipher interviewed Dr. Jeffrey Lancaster from Dell Technologies. Their discussion centered on generative AI and its potential impact.

Aug 10, 2023 • 33min
#150 Embracing Sustainability with Smart Buildings
Darren interviews Sonu Panda, the CEO of Prescriptive Data, in this episode. They discuss how their software helps commercial real estate owners turn their buildings into intelligent and efficient spaces.The Catalysts Driving Smart BuildingsThe COVID-19 pandemic spotlighted indoor air quality and launched new regulations around ventilation and filtration. Smart buildings powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning can help ensure compliance with these rules to provide safe environments for occupants. In addition, there is an increasing focus on energy optimization and decarbonization to reduce carbon emissions from buildings. These two factors have accelerated interest and investment in smart buildings.How Prescriptive Data Brings Intelligence to BuildingsPrescriptive Data was founded by real estate operators in New York City, so their domain expertise is baked into the product. The software integrates with a building's existing operational systems via APIs and drivers, so no rip-and-replace is required. It combines data exhaust from building systems, IoT sensors, weather data, and more. The AI engine analyzes all this data to identify negative patterns, such as abnormal energy spikes, and positive patterns that can be repeated and amplified. It surfaces optimization opportunities and can even take autonomous control to tune the building's environment continuously.Cybersecurity and Ease of DeploymentPrescriptive Data has partnered with banks, government agencies, and real estate leaders to build cybersecurity into their platform from the start. Customers can typically deploy the software and start seeing recommendations in 8-10 weeks. The ROI comes fast, too, with sub-1-year payback periods through energy savings and compliance avoidance.Accessing the TechnologyThe GSA lists Prescriptive Data on their procurement schedule, allowing quick purchasing by government entities. The software is available to all commercial real estate owners looking to transform existing buildings into intelligent, sustainable spaces.The promise of smart buildings goes beyond cost savings. By continuously optimizing indoor environments, we can reduce energy waste and provide everyone safer, more comfortable spaces. Prescriptive Data offers an AI-powered solution to sustainably bring existing real estate into the future.

Aug 3, 2023 • 30min
#149 Update on 5G in the Department of Defense
In this episode, Darren reunites with Leland Brown, a principal engineer at Capgemini and a previous guest on the show, to discuss the upcoming advancements of 5G technology in the US Department of Defense.

Jul 27, 2023 • 34min
#148 Securing the Remote Worker Through Mobile Virtualization
In this episode, Darren interviews Jared Shepard, the CEO of Hypori, about their groundbreaking technology that virtualizes mobile devices and ensures the safety, security, and privacy of remote workers.


