Tech Transforms

Carolyn Ford
  • 5.0 (9)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Global technology is changing the way we live. Critical government decisions affect the intersection of technology advancement and human needs. This podcast talks to some of the most prominent influencers shaping the landscape to understand how they are leveraging technology to solve complex challenges while also meeting the needs of today's modern world.

  1. Episode 106: Influence, Intel, and Insider Threats: The Human Side of Cyber Risk

    SEP 24

    Episode 106: Influence, Intel, and Insider Threats: The Human Side of Cyber Risk

    In this episode, host Carolyn Ford sits down with Julie Laurin, a cyber threat intelligence consultant with the Mining and Metals ISAC. Julie brings two decades of expertise in software, a sharp eye for overlooked risks, and a deep curiosity about the intersection of humans and technology. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of cyber threats, from social engineering tactics like the Clickfix malware to the critical role of human behavior in cybersecurity. Julie shares fascinating insights into the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure, the geopolitical implications of mining and minerals, and the challenges of navigating leadership as a woman in tech. They also dive into the neurodiverse superpowers that thrive in the fast-paced world of cybersecurity and the importance of empathy in the digital age. With humor, candor, and thought-provoking anecdotes, this episode will leave you rethinking the way we approach technology, security, and the human element. Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts enlightening and entertaining. Stay curious and keep imagining the future! Summary Notes Julie’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlaurin/ Mining and Metals ISAC - https://mmisac.org/ ClickFix Analysis - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/08/21/think-before-you-clickfix-analyzing-the-clickfix-social-engineering-technique/ ISO/IEC 27001 - https://www.iso.org/standard/27001

    38 min
  2. Episode 105: From Compliance to Capability: Securing the Federal Software Supply Chain in the Age of AI

    SEP 9

    Episode 105: From Compliance to Capability: Securing the Federal Software Supply Chain in the Age of AI

    On this episode of Tech Transforms, host Carolyn Ford welcomes Antoine Harden, Regional VP of Federal at Sonatype, to unpack one of the most urgent challenges in federal cybersecurity: securing the software supply chain. With more than 25 years of experience at Oracle, Google, and now Sonatype, Antoine shares why software supply chain risks from SolarWinds to Log4j have pushed SBOMs (Software Bills of Materials) and continuous monitoring into the spotlight. Together, they break down what SBOMs are (think nutrition labels for software), how mandates like Executive Order 14028 and frameworks like NIST’s Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) and DoD’s SWFT are changing the compliance landscape, and why automation is essential to get from static ATOs to continuous authorization. Antoine also explains how Sonatype uses AI and software composition analysis tools to close critical gaps in open source and AI-heavy environments, helping agencies shift left, reduce vulnerabilities, and accelerate secure delivery of mission-critical systems. Along the way, the conversation covers everything from JFK delays caused by vulnerabilities, to the risks of “ludicrous speed” AI adoption, to the surprising history of Project Pigeon in WWII. For federal leaders ready to take action, Antoine offers one concrete step: start with a single mission-critical application, mandate an SBOM, and see what hidden risks you uncover. Show Notes: Connect with Antoine https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoine-harden-mba-035a441/ Executive Order 14028 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/05/17/2021-10460/improving-the-nations-cybersecurity)NIST Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) (https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/specialpublications/nist.sp.800-218.pdf) CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model (https://www.cisa.gov/zero-trust-maturity-model) DoD’s SWFT (Software Fast Track Initiative) (https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4174350/software-fast-track-initiative/) Sonatype Resource Center (https://www.sonatype.com/resources?_gl=1*1jtfn7r*_up*MQ..*_ga*Mzc1ODU4NTM3LjE3NTYzMTc3NTc.*_ga_3W70E95Z6Q*czE3NTYzMTc3NTUkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTYzMTc3NTUkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_2TMM6KZPXQ*czE3NTYzMTc3NTUkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTYzMTc3NTUkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_08HT33J01V*czE3NTYzMTc3NTUkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTYzMTc3NTUkajYwJGwwJGgw)

    41 min
  3. Episode 104: Securing the Future: AI, Cyber Risk, and the Federal Mission

    AUG 26

    Episode 104: Securing the Future: AI, Cyber Risk, and the Federal Mission

    In this episode of TechTransforms, host Carolyn Ford sits down with Martin Stanley, Senior Advisor at NIST, to explore how AI is reshaping federal cybersecurity. They dive into NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework, the growing need for secure and resilient AI systems, and what it takes to build a “risk-aware” culture in government. Stanley shares insights on guarding against threats like model theft and prompt injection, how agencies are adapting zero trust principles for AI, and why explainability is essential in machine learning models. Whether you're new to AI governance or advancing your cybersecurity strategy, this episode offers practical guidance for navigating the evolving AI risk landscape. Show Notes: NIST AI resources: https://www.nist.gov/artificial-intelligence/ai-resources AI Risk Management Framework https://www.nist.gov/itl/ai-risk-management-framework NIST-AI-600-1: AI RMF Generative AI Profile https://airc.nist.gov/docs/NIST.AI.600-1.GenAI-Profile.ipd.pdf Secure Software Development Practices for Generative AI and Dual-Use Foundation Models: An SSDF Community Profile https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-218A Email: martin.stanley@nist.gov LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcs729/

    48 min
  4. Episode 103: From GOTS to COTS: How Policy and Innovation Are Reshaping the Tactical Edge

    AUG 12

    Episode 103: From GOTS to COTS: How Policy and Innovation Are Reshaping the Tactical Edge

    *COTS vs. GOTS: What the Federal Mandate Really Means with Dom Perez * In this episode of Tech Transforms, host Carolyn Ford is joined by Dominic Perez, CTO of Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions, to break down one of the hottest topics in defense tech: the federal government’s new COTS-first mandate. What happens when agencies must justify government-off-the-shelf (GOTS) solutions in 60 days or lose funding? Dom shares what this means for acquisition teams, why the policy might create more confusion than clarity, and how commercial solutions for classified (CSfC) are transforming secure communications in the field. From rugged mesh networks to “MacGyvered” mission-ready tech, Dom takes us behind the scenes of CSFC innovation, explaining how rapid deployment, lifecycle savings, and mission flexibility are driving real change. If you’ve ever wondered how defense innovation happens at the speed of relevance or what’s really in that “Rubbermaid tote” this one’s for you. Topics include: * The 60-day COTS mandate and its real-world impact * CSFC vs. Type 1: Speed, security, and scale * What government and industry must do better * Why the coolest tech might not come from GOTS anymore * The value of failure, fast iteration, and field-informed design Follow Dom Perez on LinkedIn for more insights and check out Curtiss-Wright’s whitepapers on modular open systems, CSFC, and edge AI. * Dominic Perez LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicperez/ * Curtiss Wright White Papers: https://www.curtisswrightds.com/resources/white-papers

    43 min
  5. Episode 102: Jurassic Networks: High Threat, Low Defenses, and the OT Reckoning

    JUL 31

    Episode 102: Jurassic Networks: High Threat, Low Defenses, and the OT Reckoning

    In this episode of Tech Transforms, Daryl Haegley, Technical Director for Control Systems Cyber Resilience at the Department of the Air Force, shares insights from his nearly four decades of federal service, discussing the evolving landscape of cybersecurity for operational technology and control systems. He talks about the importance of creating a culture of security across government and industry, the challenges of modernizing legacy systems, and the urgent need to address cybersecurity gaps before adversaries exploit them. From developing a first-ever scorecard for facility cybersecurity to his mission of aligning cyber practices with national defense priorities, Haegley underscores the critical role of leadership, collaboration, and continuous innovation in securing the nation’s most vulnerable systems. For an even deeper dive, here are additional resources for your convenience: · Annual Threat Assessment Report: 2024 DNI ATA and 2025 DNI ATA (https://www.dni.gov/index.php/newsroom/reports-publications/reports-publications-2025/4058-2025-annual-threat-assessment) · Cyber Resilience Office for Control Systems (CROCS): Watch (https://media.dau.edu/media/t/1_dkw9po8q) · “OT: Lock It Down” Music Video: Listen here (https://youtu.be/PKVbmCt_Vyo) · Articles Referenced: Wired for Risk – SC World (https://www.scworld.com/perspective/wired-for-risk-the-overlooked-cyber-threat-to-americas-military-communities) Cyber Skills Gap – Federal News Network (https://federalnewsnetwork.com/cybersecurity/2025/06/agencies-grapple-with-cyber-skills-gap-in-control-systems/) Cyber OT training: [Article] (https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4077138/control-systems-security-specialist-training-strengthening-our-critical-systems/)

    43 min
  6. Episode 101: The Fast Track to Global Defense Collaboration

    JUL 15

    Episode 101: The Fast Track to Global Defense Collaboration

    What happens when bureaucratic red tape meets bold collaboration? In this episode of Tech Transforms, Carolyn Ford is joined by Mat Cantagallo, Defense Director at Austrade, to explore how OWL, GME, and Austrade became the first to successfully leverage the AUKUS exemption, cutting through years of export restrictions to enable real-time defense collaboration between the U.S. and Australia. From simplifying tech transfer to accelerating mission-critical training, this conversation offers a powerful look at how smart policy and strategic partnerships are setting a new benchmark for global security innovation. If you’re in defense, cybersecurity, international trade, or just love a good story about making the impossible possible, this one’s for you. Contact Mat https://www.linkedin.com/in/mat-c-a377937/

    41 min
  7. Episode 100: Trusting AI and Warfighting Technologies

    JUL 1

    Episode 100: Trusting AI and Warfighting Technologies

    What does it take to trust AI in the highest-stakes environments and how do we make sure people stay at the center of every innovation? In our milestone 100th episode, Lt. General Susan Lawrence, President & CEO of AFCEA International and former CIO of the U.S. Army, joins host Carolyn Ford for a compelling conversation about the future of national defense in an AI-powered world. Together, they unpack: Why cybersecurity and data integrity must be the foundation of AI adoption How real-world conflicts like Ukraine are reshaping battlefield technologies What ethical AI deployment looks like across the military, government, and industry Why collaboration, not competition, is key to staying ahead of adversaries How to prepare today’s workforce for tomorrow’s digital fight Whether you're in the public sector, tech, or defense, this episode is packed with powerful insights on innovation, leadership, and national resilience.

    45 min
  8. Cyber Resilience Starts with Culture: Building Trust in the Age of AI

    JUN 17

    Cyber Resilience Starts with Culture: Building Trust in the Age of AI

    Why do phishing scams still work, even on the savviest among us? In this episode, host Carolyn Ford welcomes Bart McDonough, Founder of Agio and author of Cyber Smart and Cyber Guardians to break down the human side of cybersecurity. Bart shares practical tips to protect yourself and your organization from today’s most common threats, explains why a resilient cyber culture matters more than ever, and reveals how AI is shaping both the future of cyber defense and cybercrime. Packed with relatable stories and expert advice, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who thinks they’re too smart to get hacked. Key topics: Why social engineering remains the top attack vector How to build defense-in-depth at work and at home Practical habits for better passwords and safer devices The evolving role of AI in cyber threats and defense Why a strong cyber culture starts with open, blame-free communication Tune in and level up your cyber smarts today!

    39 min
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Global technology is changing the way we live. Critical government decisions affect the intersection of technology advancement and human needs. This podcast talks to some of the most prominent influencers shaping the landscape to understand how they are leveraging technology to solve complex challenges while also meeting the needs of today's modern world.

Information

  • Creator
    Carolyn Ford
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    106
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Tech Transforms
  • Show Website
    Tech Transforms