E035 - AI or Not - Sarah Sullivan and Pamela Isom

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.

Sarah Sullivan, a transformational leader with nearly three decades in telecommunications engineering, takes us on an eye-opening journey through the practical applications of AI as a powerful ally in both professional endeavors and everyday life.

The conversation begins with Sarah's remarkable career trajectory from MCI to launching her own business, Gazed Technologies, where she provides equipment lifecycle management and architecture solutions enhanced by data analytics. Her experience navigates the shifting landscape of telecom through multiple acquisitions while maintaining her passion for the engineering side of the business.

Sarah reveals how she first embraced generative AI to tackle a complex grant opportunity for open RAN networks. Rather than diving blindly into unfamiliar territory, she uploaded the lengthy solicitation to ChatGPT for summarization, creating a foundation she could build upon with her expertise. This exemplifies her thoughtful approach to AI: using it to jumpstart processes and handle routine tasks while maintaining human oversight and judgment.

The discussion shifts to the Broadband Council's groundbreaking work uncovering communities that appear served on paper but experience poor broadband in reality. Their testing revealed critical insights about underserved areas where latency exceeds 100 milliseconds—directly impacting telehealth, education, and economic opportunities. Sarah's innovative use of AI to transform raw field data into actionable presentations demonstrates how technology can amplify human expertise rather than replace it.

Perhaps most compelling is Sarah's perspective on AI as a tool for lightening our cognitive load. "Think of generative AI as helping you take down one of those plates you're spinning," she advises. Whether creating visual content for the Society of Women Engineers, deciphering complex privacy statements, or simply finding a quick salmon recipe, Sarah frames AI as a solution that simplifies rather than complicates our already complex lives.

Have you considered how AI might help you balance your professional and personal responsibilities? Join us to discover practical ways to maintain human control while leveraging AI as your trusted ally in navigating today's digital landscape.