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.

What if technology could revolutionize government, industry, and academia all at once? Join us for a riveting conversation with Tom Suter, the visionary founder and president of ATARC and CEO of Alethia Labs. Tom, who likes to think of himself as a technology Sherpa, takes us through his incredible journey—from his early days inspired by an entrepreneurial uncle, to pioneering efforts in telecommunications at the dawn of the internet, and his innovative work in mobility and cloud computing. Discover how he established ATARC to bridge critical sectors, addressing complex tech issues like AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. Tom also shares the strategic evolution of ATARC, including its impactful partnership with GovExec.

Ever wondered how AI can impact everything from military operations to everyday tasks? This episode dives into the transformative power of AI, showcasing projects that range from computer vision for safety enhancements to the military's ambitious CJAT-C2 data synthesis project. We discuss how AI is improving flight scheduling, reducing bureaucratic paperwork, and making significant advancements in computer vision technology. The conversation underscores the practical benefits of AI, emphasizing both large-scale and smaller, yet impactful, applications that demonstrate AI's profound potential in solving real-world problems.

The future of AI in a free society is a crucial topic, and Tom provides a compelling contrast between responsible AI development and surveillance-heavy approaches like China's. We explore the importance of international collaboration to establish ethical AI practices and the efforts of the Department of Defense's Responsible AI Community of Interests. Finally, we discuss the transformative potential of technology for long-term productivity and prosperity, stressing the need for a balance between rapid technological advancements and human elements. Join us as we envision a sustainable future driven by innovative yet responsible tech practices.