Prompting the Future: AI, Leadership, and the Military Mindset with Capt. M. Scott Austin, USCG

When military leaders say, “Get me some of that AI,” what are they really asking for? In this episode of Tech Transforms, host Carolyn Ford is joined by Capt. M. Scott Austin, a Fellow at the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology and a U.S. Coast Guard veteran. Together, they unpack what “prompt engineering” really means—not just for AI users, but for mission-driven leaders. Capt. Austin challenges the hype, emphasizing the need for clear problem definition, strategic alignment, and human-centered design when applying AI in defense and beyond. They explore how AI can “buy back time,” why empathy is a critical leadership skill in tech adoption, and whether C-3PO or R2-D2 is the better model for agentic warfare. You’ll hear: Why the best prompt engineering starts with leadership, not code What military organizations can teach us about AI adoption and design thinking The difference between generative and agentic AI—and why it matters A surprising take on AI’s boot camp curriculum (spoiler: not swimming) Whether you're building policy, coding tools, or just trying to avoid another expense report, this episode will expand your thinking about AI’s role in high-stakes environments.