From CTO to Consultant – Emily Carlson – PBA Consulting

After three decades in the tech industry, Emily Carlson found herself laid off and at a crossroads. Instead of jumping back into the corporate world, she leaned into the unknown and launched her own consulting business, PBA Consulting. Now, she helps entrepreneurs, startups, and leadership teams harness the power of artificial intelligence, streamline operations, and build healthier, more efficient technical teams.In this episode of the WNY Entrepreneur Podcast, Emily shares her journey from stable paycheck to founder, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, communication, and building businesses that work smarter, not harder.Whether you’ve toyed with the idea of bringing AI into your business or you’re simply trying to lead your team better, Emily’s insights will challenge how you think about problem solving, hiring, and tech strategy.💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✅ Why getting laid off after 30 years in tech pushed Emily into entrepreneurship and why she believes more seasoned leaders should make the leap sooner✅ The real reason most AI projects fail✅ How to translate complex tech challenges into clear business wins✅ Why many teams aren’t understaffed, they’re underutilized✅ What it takes to coach high-level technical talent, especially those who struggle with people skills or communication✅ How empathy became Emily’s secret weapon in the world of IT and cybersecurity leadership✅ What she wishes every founder knew before hiring consultants or building a tech team from scratch💬 Why It Matters for Entrepreneurs:Too often, business owners rush into tech without strategy or avoid it altogether out of fear. Emily brings a refreshing blend of practicality and heart to this conversation, reminding us that clarity, communication, and trust are just as important as technical skill. Whether you’re scaling a startup, navigating leadership challenges, or wondering if AI is worth exploring, this episode offers a roadmap you didn’t know you needed.