#22 Inside NASTD 2025: Digital Wellbeing, AI Guardrails, and State IT Lessons from Nashville

In this episode of Thriving in Ambiguity, I share my firsthand experience at the 2025 NASTD Annual Conference in Nashville. From Scott Klososky's powerful keynote on digital wellbeing in the AI era, to candid panels on citizen experience, women in IT, and upskilling the workforce—the event was packed with insight and energy. I dive into the highs (like authentic conversations with state IT teams and an unforgettable night at the Country Music Hall of Fame) and the lows (when a keynote fell flat and sparked tough questions about credibility). You'll also hear takeaways on AI adoption in government, building citizen trust, and how CIOs from Texas and New Mexico are tackling modernization in very different ways. If you work in public sector technology—or just want a peek into how state IT leaders are navigating the future—this recap has you covered.