Author: Derek W Gibson

I am a practitioner and adjunct professor working at the intersection of AI strategy, analytics governance, and the responsible use of data. I bridge AI strategy and enterprise execution, where I have been a leader in analytics risk governance at Wells Fargo while shaping the next generation of AI professionals as an Adjunct Professor at Wake Forest University. With 30+ years of driving data-driven transformation, I specialize in turning complex analytics challenges into high-level strategy, regulatory compliance frameworks, and measurable business outcomes. I have applied numbers to problems and, through experience, discovered a few problems with numbers. Through this work, I have confronted firsthand the challenges of data misuse and misinformation, experiences that led me to co-author Data Duped: How to Avoid Being Hoodwinked by Misinformation with Jeffrey D. Camm, published by Rowman & Littlefield (Bloomsbury)

The AI Paradox: Why We Can’t Decide If We Love or Fear Our Digital Future

On a quiet summer afternoon, Sarah needs some inspiration. She scrolls through her Instagram feed, then onto TikTok. Finding none, she challenges Alexa for an answer. “Alexa, play some inspiring music for me,” and in a brief moment, the sounds of Sarah’s Epic Motivational Playlist can be heard all around her. It is exactly what she needed. She remarks … Continue reading The AI Paradox: Why We Can’t Decide If We Love or Fear Our Digital Future →

Outsmarting AI: Human Skills Matter in the New Job Market

A pressing concern I hear from my students at Wake Forest University is how to compete with AI

AI Agents: Are We Really Ready For What Comes Next with AI Workers?

AI Agents represent the forthcoming advancement in artificial intelligence, capable of making autonomous decisions and executing tasks on behalf of users. They will alleviate mundane responsibilities, interact with company agents, and enhance productivity across various sectors. As organizations develop these agents, readiness and strategic planning will become crucial for successful integration.

Our Truth Insecurity Has Arrived: AI and Misinformation Reach a New Level

What do you know to be true? And can you spot an AI-generated news story or online video? A recent video posted on X and reported by NBC News of an American company distributing food aid to the people of Gaza sparked an online debate about what was real and what was not. Beyond the facts of … Continue reading Our Truth Insecurity Has Arrived: AI and Misinformation Reach a New Level →

AI and the Unforeseen Ripple Effects

Doom. What could come of it? It is not the post-apocalyptic future but rather how sometimes the beginning of something can lead us to places we do not always anticipate. In 1993 DOOM the video game, was introduced and became one of the most popular first-person adventure games. In part, it was famous for its … Continue reading AI and the Unforeseen Ripple Effects →

Misinformation Lessons from Pizza Glue and Eating Rocks: A Beginning

Recently the data community and the media have been buzzing about Generative AI and in particular Google’s AI Overview responses to questions like ‘How many rocks should I eat?’ or ‘How to glue cheese to your pizza?’ These answers of course are silly and the memes have been fun to read, however, there is a … Continue reading Misinformation Lessons from Pizza Glue and Eating Rocks: A Beginning →

Containing ChatGPT May be Impossible

Generative AI has spilled into society like an oil slick on an ocean. There is no escaping it. The wind, the waves, and the current will carry it to places we have yet to imagine in terms of its capabilities, uses, and applications. It encroaches on us without much of a plan to contain it, … Continue reading Containing ChatGPT May be Impossible →

Sometimes Your Goals Find You

New year, New You. The season is perfect for setting some personal goals. Maybe it is losing weight (or at least committing to live healthier). Maybe you will commit to a new hobby Julie & Julia style. Maybe it is setting a professional goal. All of this can be hard work to seek out and … Continue reading Sometimes Your Goals Find You →

Tiny Numbers, Big Mistakes: A Scary Case of Medical Misinformation

Have you ever made a decision on limited information – a tidbit, a smidge of knowledge, or a gut feeling backed by just a little data? We probably all have done this and sometimes either it was just necessary due to urgency or the decision was small with little consequence that it was ok to … Continue reading Tiny Numbers, Big Mistakes: A Scary Case of Medical Misinformation →

Free, Free, Free. How Can It Be?

FREE iPhone15! There I said it. Did it get your attention? Along with the words “New and Improved”, Free is among marketing’s most effective words. It grabs the attention of those seeking a deal or an offer that may be exclusive to them. But it is really “free” or are all of these recent free iPhone 15 … Continue reading Free, Free, Free. How Can It Be? →