Tech Transforms

Episode 104: Securing the Future: AI, Cyber Risk, and the Federal Mission

August 26th, 2025  |  48 mins 21 secs

ai guardrails, cyber defense, cybersecurity, nist, owlcyberdefense, techtransforms

AI isn’t coming to government, it’s already here. In this episode of Tech Transforms, host Carolyn Ford sits down with Martin Stanley, Senior Advisor at NIST, to explore how federal agencies can secure AI systems, protect sensitive training data, and prepare for “machine speed” cyber defense. From NIST’s new AI Risk Management Framework to guardrails for generative AI, Martin explains what leaders need to know to adopt AI responsibly without sacrificing security.

Episode 101: The Fast Track to Global Defense Collaboration

July 15th, 2025  |  40 mins 30 secs

aukus, cybersecurity, internationaltrade, owlcyberdefense

Carolyn Ford sits down with Mat Cantagallo, Defense Director at Austrade, to unpack how OWL, GME, and Austrade became the first to use the AUKUS exemption, streamlining defense tech transfer and training between allied nations. This episode highlights how strategic policy shifts and trusted partnerships are accelerating innovation and reshaping the future of international defense collaboration.

Episode 100: Trusting AI and Warfighting Technologies

July 1st, 2025  |  44 mins 53 secs

AI, afcea, cybersecurity, data integrity, defenseinnovation, techtransforms

In our 100th episode, Lt. General Susan Lawrence, President & CEO of AFCEA International and former CIO of the U.S. Army, joins Tech Transforms to talk trusted AI, cyber readiness, and how the human element must remain central in defense innovation. From battlefield examples to the future of cross-sector collaboration, this conversation is a powerful look at what it really takes to secure tomorrow.

Cyber Resilience Starts with Culture: Building Trust in the Age of AI

June 17th, 2025  |  39 mins 20 secs

cyberrisk, cybersecurity, digitalthreats, socialengineering

In this episode of Tech Transforms, Carolyn Ford chats with Bart McDonough, Founder of Agio and author of Cyber Smart and Cyber Guardians. Bart unpacks why social engineering, like phishing, remains the #1 threat to individuals and organizations, despite all our tech defenses. He shares simple, real-world habits to strengthen your cyber posture, explains how AI is changing the game for both attackers and defenders, and makes a strong case for building a resilient cyber culture rooted in open communication and continuous learning.

Episode 98: SCRM: Securing the Federal Technology Supply Chain

June 4th, 2025  |  45 mins 41 secs

cybersecurity, federaltechnology, insiderthreats, supplychainriskmanagement, zerotrust

Supply Chain Risk Management isn’t just a cybersecurity issue—it’s a leadership imperative. In this episode, Timothy Amerson, CEO of CASMO Consulting and Army veteran, breaks down how agencies can build real resilience in a world of insider threats, tech bans, and shifting global risks.

Episode 96: Tech Transforms + ATARC: AI, Oceans, and Innovation with NOAA’s Frank Indiviglio

May 6th, 2025  |  30 mins 1 sec

AI, artificial intelligence, atarc, climate technology, cybersecurity, data science, government innovation, high-performance computing, noaa, ocean robotics

In this special crossover episode with ATARC, I sit down with Frank Indiviglio, Chief Technology Officer at NOAA, to explore how cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing our understanding of the planet. From hurricane forecasting to coral reef monitoring, Frank unpacks how AI, data science, and high-performance computing transform vast raw data into real-world impact. We dive into everything from boosting data processing efficiency to balancing open data with cybersecurity—all while showing how cross-sector collaboration drives innovation at NOAA. Don’t miss this fascinating ATARC-powered conversation!

Zero Trust at the Edge: Securing Data, Devices, and Decisions

April 29th, 2025  |  45 mins 16 secs

AI, cybersecurity, data, iot, zero trust

Randy Clark, cybersecurity strategist and contributor to SIGNAL Magazine, joins Carolyn Ford to explain why the future of secure data lies at the edge. From smart cities to AI-driven infrastructure, Randy breaks down how zero trust data works — and why labeling, encrypting, and governing data from the moment it’s created can change everything. They talk edge AI, data sovereignty, and why trusting your thermostat might be harder than it looks. Plus: why the 1980s weren’t ready for this tech, and how protecting data—not just networks—could reshape public safety and defense.

Open Source for Classified Environments

February 13th, 2025  |  53 mins 2 secs

AI, cybersecurity, open source, risk, security, software, software development, tech

In this episode of Tech Transforms, host Carolyn Ford dives into the world of secure software development with guests Scott Orton and Mike Mehlberg. They explore the critical challenges of implementing Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs), securing open-source software, and using Rust programming language for safer, memory-secure coding. The conversation also covers AI's growing role in code development, the evolving landscape of cross-domain solutions, and the race between cybersecurity advancements and ever-evolving threats.

From real-world implementation challenges to insights on automating security measures in classified environments, Scott and Mike break down the risks and opportunities in today's software ecosystem. Whether you're a developer, cybersecurity professional, or just curious about how technology is shaping secure systems, this episode is packed with expert insights and actionable takeaways.

New: Building a Stronger Team: How Data is Transforming Workforce Development in the Public Sector

October 29th, 2024  |  48 mins 28 secs

AI, cybersecurity, marketing, public sector, talent management, us army, workforce management

In this episode, host Carolyn Ford sits down with Kris Saling, Director of Talent Analytics and Data Strategy for the U.S. Army, to dive into her new book, Data-Driven Talent Management. Kris shares how data is changing the game when it comes to recruitment, retention, and employee engagement. We discuss practical ways leaders can use analytics to build stronger teams and keep top talent motivated. If you're looking for actionable insights on how data can transform the way we work, you won’t want to miss this conversation!