Just returned from the NASCIO 2025 Mid-Year Conference in Philadelphia, and there’s a lot to unpack. In this episode of Thriving in Ambiguity, I delve into the key takeaways from the event, shedding light on the evolving landscape of state IT leadership.

Key Highlights:

• Cybersecurity remains the top priority for state CIOs, marking its 12th consecutive year at the forefront. Despite its prominence, discussions at the conference revealed a surprising lack of dedicated sessions on the topic, prompting questions about the depth of engagement on this critical issue.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) has surged to the second spot in CIO priorities, reflecting its growing influence in state IT strategies. Sessions emphasized the transition of AI from experimental to essential, with a focus on data quality and governance as foundational elements for successful implementation.
• Digital Identity initiatives are gaining traction, yet concerns about privacy and data management persist. The debate centers on balancing the convenience of digital IDs with the imperative to protect citizen data from potential misuse.
• Workforce Modernization is a pressing concern, with states exploring innovative approaches to bridge skill gaps. Notably, Pennsylvania’s pilot programs demonstrate the potential of AI in streamlining processes and enhancing training for a vast workforce.
• Legacy System Modernization is underway, but challenges remain. States are grappling with the complexities of updating outdated infrastructures while ensuring continuity of services.
• Enterprise Architecture Standards are being leveraged to maximize productivity and cost savings. States like Michigan and Utah are leading the way in implementing standards that streamline IT operations and enhance service delivery.

Tune in for an in-depth analysis of these topics and more, as we explore the current state and future direction of state IT leadership.

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#NASCIO2025 #StateCIO #Cybersecurity #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalIdentity #WorkforceModernization #LegacySystems #EnterpriseArchitecture #PublicSectorInnovation

A tragedy no school ever expects — and the hard lessons we learned too late.

In this episode of Thriving in Ambiguity, I share the real story behind a crisis at Howard High School that changed everything. As the IT Director at the time, I thought we were ready. We weren’t. And today, I’m revealing what we got wrong — and what you must get right before it’s too late.

In this episode:

• Why the best technology isn’t enough without real-world training
• How social media misinformation made everything worse
• Critical actions to take before an emergency strikes
• How to prepare your leadership, IT, and PR teams for a true crisis

If you’re a school leader, IT director, or anyone responsible for student safety, these lessons could save lives — and careers.

Don’t wait for tragedy. Prepare today.

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📢 Share this episode with a colleague — the conversation could make all the difference.

#SchoolSafety #CrisisManagement #LeadershipUnderPressure #ThrivingInAmbiguity #EmergencyPreparedness #PublicSectorLeadership

AI isn’t just disrupting industries—it’s coming for companies that move too slow.

In this no-fluff episode of Thriving in Ambiguity, I sit down with AI strategist and keynote speaker Chris Carr to pull back the curtain on what’s really happening behind the scenes with generative AI. Spoiler: it’s not a “someday” problem. It’s a right now problem.

Here’s what we break down:

• How companies are quietly using AI to do 40 hours of work in under 5 minutes

• Why “pilot mode” is just a polite way of falling behind

• The rise of AI agents, memory, and autonomous decision-making

• How deepfakes, voice clones, and synthetic avatars are already reshaping HR, sales, and customer support

• Real-world use cases for AI in hiring, onboarding, sales strategy, and even preserving your legacy

• The simple framework to start building AI into your business—safely and strategically

This isn’t theory. This is happening. Right now.

And companies that fail to act? They’re handing the market to the ones who will.

📍 Hosted by Steve Mancini, HPE Solutions Advisor & host of Thriving in Ambiguity

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