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What makes a great leader?  It starts with the right mix of people.  In this episode of Keeping IT Brief: The Power Perspective, host Tracey Aubey talks with Natalie Buda Smith, Chief AI Officer at the Library of Congress, about building teams where people can challenge ideas, bring different perspectives, and actually make the work better. Natalie gets real about what failure taught her early in her technology career, why a little healthy disagreement can be a good thing, and why leaders shouldn’t be threatened by people who know more than they do. The conversation also explores what happens when AI gives everyone access to more information, more expertise, and more ways to solve problems. For leaders and teams, that creates new opportunities—but also new questions about focus, trust, governance, and how to keep people moving toward the same goal. You'll also hear: 🔹  Why the best teams don't necessarily think alike 🔹  The value of curiosity and resilience  🔹  How AI is changing teams  🔹  Why respectful disagreement can lead to better decisions 🔹  The importance of trust and governance in innovation  Natalie’s advice for emerging leaders is refreshingly simple: stay curious, expect to learn along the way, don’t panic when you get something wrong, and keep going. The future is powered by perspective. #KIBTPP #Leadership #AI #Innovation #GovTech #FederalIT #LibraryofCongress #GovForum Keeping IT Brief: The Power Perspective with Tracey Aubey features conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and the collaborations, culture, and technologies transforming how government operates. Follow the show on your favorite podcast platform, and discover more conversations with the FORUM Media Network at GovForum Podcasts.

AI can sound completely confident—and still be wrong. So how do you know when you can actually trust it? On this episode of Keeping IT Brief: The Power Perspective, host Tracey Aubey talks with Rajesh Lingam of Adobe, an AI evaluation specialist and TrustOps researcher, about what it really takes to make AI trustworthy, safe, and ready for real-world use. The problem? AI doesn't always fail in obvious ways. Sometimes an answer looks polished, sounds convincing, and is almost entirely correct—with one small mistake that changes everything. Think $4.7 million becoming $47 million. Or an AI confidently making up information it doesn't actually know. Rajesh explains why AI evaluation requires a different approach than traditional software testing, what organizations should measure before deploying an AI system, and why "it worked when we tested it" isn't enough. The conversation covers AI hallucinations, bias, responsible AI, AI safety, AI governance, grounding, TrustOps, and agentic AI—including what happens when AI moves beyond answering questions and starts making decisions and taking actions on our behalf. Inside the episode: • Why AI can sound right while being wrong • How AI hallucinations create real-world business risks • What AI evaluation actually measures • Why accuracy, bias, safety, and grounding matter • What TrustOps means and why it matters now • What leaders should ask before deploying AI • Why agentic AI raises the stakes for trust and oversight The question isn't just "Can AI do it?" It's "Why should we trust it to do it?" AI isn't slowing down. The challenge is making sure our ability to evaluate and govern it can keep up. The future is powered by perspective. #KIBTPP #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #GenerativeAI #TrustworthyAI #AIEvaluation #AIHallucinations #ResponsibleAI #AIGovernance #TrustOps #AgenticAI  Keeping IT Brief: The Power Perspective with Tracey Aubey features conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and the technologies transforming how government operates. Follow the show on your favorite podcast platform, and discover more conversations with the FORUM Media Network at GovForum Podcasts.

Cyber threats aren't just moving fast anymore—they're moving at AI speed. So what happens when attackers can automate, adapt, and strike faster than ever before? And does collecting more cybersecurity data actually make anyone safer? In this episode of Keeping IT Brief: The Power Perspective, Tracey Aubey sits down with John Harmon, Regional Vice President of Cyber Solutions for Global Public Sector at Elastic, to talk about OMB Memo 26-14 and why it's changing how federal agencies think about cybersecurity logging, threat detection, and network visibility. John brings more than two decades of experience in cybersecurity, including time at the NSA, and breaks down one of the biggest shifts happening in federal cyber right now: moving from a "collect everything" mindset to focusing on the information that actually helps security teams find threats and respond when something goes wrong. The conversation covers how lessons from previous industry cyber incidents helped shape today's cybersecurity policies, why agencies are rethinking how they store and use log data, and how AI is changing the game for both defenders and attackers. You'll also hear: 🔹 Why more data doesn't automatically mean better security 🔹 What OMB Memo 26-14 means in plain English 🔹 How AI is helping analysts spot threats faster 🔹 The growing challenge of AI-powered cyberattacks 🔹 Why visibility is becoming one of the most valuable tools in cybersecurity 🔹 Practical advice for agencies working toward stronger cyber resilience One of the most interesting takeaways? The future of cybersecurity may look less like humans versus machines and more like humans working alongside AI teammates. Whether you're in federal IT, cybersecurity, government contracting, or just trying to keep up with how AI is reshaping technology, this conversation offers a practical look at what's changing—and what's coming next. The future is powered by perspective. #FederalCybersecurity #Cybersecurity #ArtificialIntelligence #FederalIT #GovTech #ThreatDetection #NetworkVisibility #CyberDefense #OMB2614 #CISA CISA’s Logging Reference Architecture for OMB M-26-14 Keeping IT Brief: The Power Perspective with Tracey Aubey features conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and the technologies transforming how government operates. Follow the show on your favorite podcast platform, and discover more conversations with the FORUM Media Network at GovForum Podcasts.

Building software faster isn't necessarily the same thing as moving faster. If an organization can't securely deploy it, operate it, and get it where the mission needs it, how much value is it really creating? On this episode of Keeping IT Brief: The Power Perspective, Tracey Aubey talks with Jamie Holcomb, COO of Electrosoft, about the growing connection between AI, cybersecurity, software mobility, and mission readiness. With more than 30 years of experience in technology and cybersecurity, Jamie has worked across the defense, intelligence, and civilian sectors. He previously served as CIO of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and as a U.S. Army company commander. Jamie explains why software mobility is becoming essential to modern defense operations—and why developing software quickly isn't enough. The real advantage comes from being able to securely deploy, operate, and scale software across different environments and mission partners. The conversation also digs into what happens when AI dramatically increases the amount of software organizations have to manage. That means more than writing code faster. Leaders have to think about security, governance, interoperability, monitoring, sustainment, and trust from the beginning. And there's a bigger lesson here: modernization isn't just about replacing legacy technology. It's about changing how organizations work, empowering people, and measuring success by mission impact rather than how much software gets built. Jamie also shares a simple way to think about the balance between speed and security—and the conversation somehow gets into VHS vs. Beta, tacos, and why you should be able to explain technology to your grandmother. #Electrosoft #KeepingITBrief #ThePowerPerspective #GovCon #AI #Cybersecurity #SoftwareMobility #DefenseTech #FederalIT #GovTech #SoftwareModernization The future is powered by perspective. Keeping IT Brief: The Power Perspective with Tracey Aubey features conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and the technologies transforming how government operates. Follow the show on your favorite podcast platform, and discover more conversations with the FORUM Media Network at GovForum Podcasts.

Ever wonder why some tech upgrades actually make life easier… and others just create more meetings and headaches? This week on Keeping IT Brief, we’re cutting through the hype around AI, cloud tech, and digital transformation to talk about what actually works in the real world. Our guest, Abinaya Mettupatti Sivagnanam, Cloud Development Manager at General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), joins us to break down what it takes to modernize systems in high-stakes environments where security, reliability, and efficiency really matter. From Salesforce optimization and smarter workflows to AI in enterprise technology, Abinaya shares what organizations are getting right—and where they’re making things way more complicated than they need to be. She also talks about creating OrgLimit Monitor, a Salesforce AppExchange solution built to help organizations spot platform risks before they become expensive problems. In this episode, we get into:  • The biggest changes happening in cloud development and digital modernization  • Why so many teams struggle with workflow efficiency  • How to build systems that are secure, scalable, and actually user-friendly  • Where AI in the workplace is making a real impact—and where it’s mostly buzzwords  • What the future of enterprise technology and digital transformation could look like If you’re into AI, cloud computing, workflow automation, tech trends, or the future of work, this episode is packed with practical insights and zero fluff. 🎧 #DigitalTransformation #CloudComputing #ArtificialIntelligence #GDIT #WorkflowAutomation #EnterpriseTechnology #GovTech #Innovation #Leadership #FORUMPodcastNetwork Follow the show on your favorite podcast platform, and discover more conversations with the FORUM Media Network at GovForum Podcasts.

Cyber threats aren’t slowing down—and neither can your strategy. In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, we sit down with Bryan Thompson, Chief Product Officer at Everfox, a leader in cybersecurity, enterprise technology, and defense-grade security solutions. Bryan shares what it really takes to build and scale secure, high-performing technology platforms in today’s rapidly evolving risk landscape. With over 20 years of experience in product strategy, engineering leadership, and enterprise cybersecurity, Bryan breaks down how modern organizations can stay ahead of insider threats, protect critical data, and build resilient systems that hold up under pressure. We dig into: • How to approach cybersecurity strategy in high-risk environments • The role of cross-domain solutions and insider risk management • What separates strong product leadership from the rest • How to align product, engineering, and business goals for real impact • Lessons from leading innovation in defense-grade cybersecurity If you’re a millennial tech leader, IT professional, or business decision-maker navigating security, scale, and innovation—this episode delivers practical insights you can use right now. #KeepingITBrief #CyberSecurity #TechLeadership #ProductManagement #EnterpriseIT #Innovation #DataSecurity #Podcast #MillennialProfessionals #ITStrategy #Everfox #FORUMPodcast Network Follow the show on your favorite podcast platform, and discover more conversations with the FORUM Media Network at GovForum Podcasts.

Ready to rethink everything you know about business growth? This episode dives into how breaking the “right” rules can actually be your biggest advantage. In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, we sit down with Krystn Macomber (Gull), CP APMP Fellow, LEED AP, Founder + CEO of Summit Strategy, a powerhouse in strategic planning, proposal management, and B2G/B2B marketing growth. Krystn shares how she challenges outdated systems to help organizations create real, measurable impact. We explore what happens when you stop patching gaps and start building a fully aligned growth engine. From business development and capture strategy to proposal writing and marketing alignment, Krystn breaks down how integration—not silos—drives results. You’ll hear real-world insights on: • Why breaking traditional business rules can unlock exponential growth • How to identify hidden gaps in your marketing and proposal strategy • The power of collaboration across teams to win more business • The mindset shift every CEO and small business owner needs • Actionable advice for emerging leaders navigating today’s business landscape If you’re a millennial entrepreneur, small business owner, or growth-focused professional looking to scale smarter, this episode delivers practical strategies you can actually use. #KeepingITBrief #BusinessGrowth #B2BMarketing #B2G #EntrepreneurLife #Leadership #SmallBusiness #Podcast #MillennialEntrepreneur #GrowthStrategy #SummitStrategy #FORUMPodcastNetwork Follow the show on your favorite podcast platform, and discover more conversations with the FORUM Media Network at GovForum Podcasts.

What if firefighter training could be faster, smarter, and powered by AI? In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, we explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) are transforming training in the public sector—starting with the U.S. Air Force. This award-winning collaboration between the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) and APV is redefining how firefighters train, certify, and prepare for real-world emergencies. We’re joined by three leaders behind this innovation:  Alton Robinson (AFCEC), Manuel Miranda (APV), and Angela Leavell (APV). Together, they break down how traditional firefighter training challenges led to the development of an immersive, tech-driven solution—and what it means for mission readiness, workforce training, and the future of defense technology. We also dive into how AI-powered training platforms, immersive learning, and AR simulations are improving engagement, speeding up certification, and delivering measurable results across the federal landscape. If you're a millennial professional interested in tech, innovation, or future-forward careers, this episode shows how emerging technology is making real impact—right now. #ArtificialIntelligence #AugmentedReality #GovTech #DefenseTech #WorkforceTraining #Innovation #PublicSector #ImmersiveLearning #KeepingITBriefPodcast #AFCEC #APV #FORUM Follow the show on your favorite podcast platform, and discover more conversations with the FORUM Media Network at GovForum Podcasts.

Cybersecurity jobs are everywhere—but why is there still a massive talent gap? In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, we break down the cybersecurity workforce shortage, what’s really causing it, and what it means for the future of government and public sector tech. Michael Harrison, Managing Director of Public Sector Strategy and Engagement at SANS, joins us to share real-world insights from his experience across the military, Pentagon, and private sector. From leading in the 101st Airborne Division to advising top defense leaders, Michael brings a unique perspective on cyber defense, hiring trends, and workforce development. We dig into the most in-demand cybersecurity skills and certifications, how hiring is evolving, and what organizations are really looking for right now. If you’re curious about breaking into cybersecurity—or building stronger teams—this conversation gives you a clear, practical roadmap. You’ll also learn how different environments—from government to startups—approach cybersecurity talent, training, and strategy, and what the next five years could look like for this fast-growing field. Whether you're a millennial professional exploring tech careers or a leader navigating hiring challenges, this episode is packed with insight you can actually use. #Cybersecurity #TechCareers #ITJobs #CyberSecurityTraining #PublicSector #DigitalTransformation #MillennialCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #Keeping IT Brief #FORUMPodcast #SANS  Follow the show on your favorite podcast platform, and discover more conversations with the FORUM Media Network at GovForum Podcasts.

Healthcare is undergoing a massive digital transformation—but what does that actually look like inside the U.S. federal government?  In this episode, we break down how cloud computing, Salesforce platforms, and emerging technologies like AI are reshaping federal healthcare systems and improving how agencies serve millions of Americans.  Our guest, Sree Rednam, Sr. Manager of Cloud Development and Enterprise Architect at Federal Health, General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), shares how large-scale government healthcare platforms are designed, scaled, and secured while navigating complex regulatory environments.  Sree walks us through what it takes to lead enterprise cloud solutions in federal healthcare, collaborate with architects and mission leaders, and build scalable platforms that enhance user experience while maintaining strict compliance standards.  We also explore how organizations like General Dynamics are driving innovation across government through digital modernization, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and cloud development.  If you're interested in government technology, healthcare innovation, cloud architecture, Salesforce platforms, or digital transformation strategy, this conversation offers an inside look at where federal health tech is headed next.  In this episode, we discuss:  What digital transformation in healthcare actually means in practiceScaling Salesforce and cloud platforms for complex federal healthcare programsNavigating regulatory compliance while driving innovationHow AI, cloud computing, and emerging tech are shaping government healthcareAligning technology strategy with mission-driven leadershipThe future of federal health technology and digital modernizationWhether you're in health IT, government contracting, cloud architecture, or digital transformation leadership, this episode provides valuable insights into the technology powering modern federal healthcare systems. #DigitalTransformation #HealthIT #CloudComputing #AIinHealthcare #GovernmentTechnology #FederalHealth #Salesforce #GovTech #Cybersecurity #LeadershipInTech #Podcast #GDIT #KeepingITBriefPodcast Follow the show on your favorite podcast platform, and discover more conversations with the FORUM Media Network at GovForum Podcasts.

How do you turn emerging technology into real mission impact for the Federal government?  In this episode of FORUM’s Keeping IT Brief, we sit down with Brian Funk, Chief Technology Officer at MetaPhase, to explore Federal IT modernization, GenAI, cloud architecture, DevSecOps, and Agile transformation.  With deep experience leading technology initiatives across government agencies, Brian shares how to evaluate emerging technologies like Generative AI and geospatial systems — and determine what truly drives mission outcomes versus what’s just hype.  At MetaPhase, innovation lives at the intersection of business and IT. Their approach blends technical excellence with a culture-first consulting model, creating practical, scalable solutions that act as a true force multiplier for agencies.  We also discuss:  • How Agile development strengthens Federal digital transformation  • The evolving role of DevSecOps in government cybersecurity  • Building empowered, high-performing technology teams  • Aligning cloud strategy with agency mission goals  • The biggest opportunities and challenges shaping the future of Federal IT  If you’re interested in government technology, Federal consulting, cloud modernization, DevSecOps, GenAI adoption, or IT leadership, this episode delivers insight you can apply today.  Listen now and stay ahead of what’s next in government innovation.  #FederalIT #GovTech #DigitalTransformation #CloudComputing #DevSecOps #GenAI #Agile #GovernmentConsulting #ITLeadership #Innovation #MetaPhase #FORUMPodcastNetwork #KeepingITBrief Follow the show on your favorite podcast platform, and discover more conversations with the FORUM Media Network at GovForum Podcasts.

What does it take to modernize technology inside the Department of Defense?  In this episode of FORUM’s Keeping IT Brief, we sit down with Richard Kellahan, Project Manager at TIAG, to talk about DoD contracts, electronic security systems, and federal IT project management.  Richard has supported Department of Defense programs since 2006 and currently leads projects in Charleston, SC — identifying opportunities in the Electronic Security Systems (ESS) federal government space. With experience in management, procurement, financial reporting, customer relations, training, and an active Secret Clearance, he brings a 360-degree view of government program delivery.  Recently PMP-certified through the Project Management Institute, Richard shares how formal project management frameworks strengthen execution in complex government environments — and why discipline, communication, and adaptability are critical in DoD modernization efforts.  We also explore:  • The biggest challenges of implementing new technology in secure DoD environments  • How ISO 9001:2015 and CMMI® Level 3 standards support federal IT excellence  • Building high-performing teams in government contracting  • Delivering innovation beyond the scope of work  • Emerging opportunities in federal electronic security and defense technology  If you’re interested in government IT, federal contracting, DoD modernization, PMP leadership, or electronic security systems, this episode delivers practical insight from the field.  Listen now and stay ahead of the mission.  #DoD #FederalIT #ProjectManagement #PMP #ElectronicSecurity #GovernmentContracting #DefenseTechnology #Modernization #Leadership #CMMI #ISO9001 #TIAG #FORUMPodcastNetwork #KeepingITBrief Follow the show on your favorite podcast platform, and discover more conversations with the FORUM Media Network at GovForum Podcasts.

Federal agencies are under pressure to modernize legacy systems, strengthen cybersecurity, and deliver better digital services—all while staying mission-focused.  In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Mike Deutsch, Chief Growth Officer at Alpha Omega, to talk about what it really takes to drive digital transformation in government IT.  With more than 20 years of federal market experience, Mike has helped scale and grow industry leaders like Aquilent (acquired by Booz Allen Hamilton) and CollabraLink Technologies (acquired by Washington Harbour Partners). Now, he’s leading growth strategy at Alpha Omega as the company expands its impact in the full and open federal space.  We discuss:  • The biggest challenges in government IT modernization  • How agencies can successfully adopt artificial intelligence and cybersecurity solutions  • Building high-performing teams in a fast-changing federal environment  • Delivering real customer experience improvements in Federal agencies  • What’s next for digital modernization, AI in government, and operational resilience.  Alpha Omega supports national security and national resilience through expertise in digital modernization, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity — helping agencies future-proof legacy systems and accelerate operational efficiency.  If you care about federal IT, GovCon growth strategy, digital transformation, AI in government, cybersecurity, and mission-driven technology, this episode is for you.  #KeepingITBrief #FederalIT #DigitalTransformation #GovCon #ArtificialIntelligence #Cybersecurity #GovernmentTechnology #NationalSecurity #Leadership  Follow the show on your favorite podcast platform, and discover more conversations with the FORUM Media Network at GovForum Podcasts.

AI is moving fast—and cyber threats are moving faster. As federal agencies race to modernize, how can they adopt AI securely without increasing risk? In this episode of FORUM’s Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Chris Townsend, Global VP of Public Sector at Elastic, to unpack what’s coming next for AI, cybersecurity, and federal IT modernization in 2026. With the federal government prioritizing AI adoption and digital transformation—highlighted by the 2025 AI Action Plan and procurement initiatives like GSA’s OneGov program—agencies are under pressure to innovate quickly while maintaining security, compliance, and mission continuity. Chris explains how Elastic’s open, scalable Search AI Platform helps government organizations modernize legacy systems, strengthen security operations, and gain real-time visibility across data silos. The conversation also dives into the growing risks tied to rapid AI adoption, including supply chain attacks, identity-based intrusions, and zero-day exploits. You’ll also hear insights on Elastic’s recent partnership with CISA, focused on developing a unified SIEM-as-a-Service to standardize security data collection and accelerate incident response across federal civilian agencies. In this episode, you’ll learn: The top cybersecurity challenges facing government agencies in 2026How AI can turn security data into faster, smarter decisionsWhy standardized security data collection is critical for federal defenseHow Elastic supports Zero Trust, secure AI adoption, and modernization at scaleAs cyber threats continue to grow in complexity, this episode offers practical insights for public sector leaders balancing AI-powered innovation with the imperative to protect sensitive data. #KeepingITBrief #FederalIT #GovTech #Cybersecurity #AIinGovernment #PublicSector #Elastic #CISA #SIEM #ZeroTrust #GovAI #ITModernization #DataSecurity  Follow the show on your favorite podcast platform, and discover more conversations with the FORUM Media Network at GovForum Podcasts.

Healthcare AI can’t scale without the right cloud foundation. On this episode of FORUM’s Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Jaison Correya, CEO of CLOUDVICE, to explore how cloud, data engineering, and AI are reshaping healthcare and the U.S. public sector. Founded in 2020, CLOUDVICE is an Oracle partner with an exclusive focus on the public sector. The company helps healthcare organizations and state and local governments modernize back-office and front-office operations—from payroll and finance to budgeting and planning—using Oracle SaaS Cloud to drive efficiency, transparency, automation, and ROI. Jaison shares what inspired him to launch CLOUDVICE and how his background in cloud, AI, and large-scale program management shaped the company’s mission to support innovation in healthcare and government. In this conversation, Mary Ann and Jaison discuss: The biggest barriers to scaling AI in healthcare, including data readiness and legacy systemsWhy real-time insights remain so difficult for many organizationsHow CLOUDVICE helps agencies build strong cloud and data foundationsWhat makes the CLOUDVICE + Kardia.ai partnership unique in improving workflows and decision support in heart failure careWhere healthcare AI is headed—and where CLOUDVICE plans to make its greatest impactIf you work in healthcare IT, public sector technology, cloud strategy, or digital transformation, this episode delivers clear, practical insight—without the fluff. 🔗 Guest: Jaison Correya, CEO, CLOUDVICE 🔗 Host: Mary Ann Brown 🔗 Connect with Jaison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaison-correya/ Follow the show on your favorite podcast platform, and discover more conversations with the FORUM Media Network at GovForum Podcasts.