In this very special episode of Ameritocracy, host Troy Edgar travels to Sacramento to meet with Dan Walters, one of California’s most syndicated columnists and author. He has covered the state’s political scene since 1975, spending over 33 years at the Sacramento Bee, and currently writes for CalMatters.

Dan shares his insights on California’s evolution from a Republican-leaning to a solidly Democratic state, shaped by shifts in industry and demographics. He highlights the state’s heavy reliance on high-income taxpayers, which makes its budget vulnerable to economic swings and delves into pressing issues—like education, transportation, and housing affordability—that jeopardize its future.

With over 50 years in journalism and four books on California’s politics, Dan brings a seasoned perspective on the policies shaping the state's economic and political trajectory.

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

This week on the Ameritocracy show, host Troy Edgar is in Washington, D.C. where he sits down with Ray Shieh, Quantum Safe Senior Product Marketing Manager at IBM for a fascinating conversation on the rapid advancement in quantum computing.

Ray shares his journey from leading cybersecurity efforts at Microsoft, both in Taiwan and Washington state, to his current role at IBM where he specializes in post-quantum cryptography and quantum-safe computing.

Ray also discusses how he leverages his marketing and cybersecurity experience to explore potential quantum applications and highlights the importance of quantum-safe cryptography in safeguarding data from future threats.

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

Welcome to our monthly series where we dive into challenging topics, current events, explore faith, and much more. Expect fresh insights from familiar faces and new voices as we engage in candid discussions. Join us for open and honest fellowship, embracing diverse perspectives.

Featured guest: Anne Collier, certified executive coach and CEO of Arudia, a coaching and training firm based in Washington, D.C.

Topics explored in this episode:

• Does a degree still have value?
• The importance of well-rounded skills
• Resume building
• Micro-credentialing do's and don'ts
• Leadership development

Wall Street Journal article 'College Doesn't Need to Take Four Years' can be found here.

Forbes article 'What are Microcredentials? A Complete Guide' can be found here.

Take the Actualized Leadership Profile to find out to how your leadership can both positively and negatively influence your team and organizational culture.

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.