Sharkbytes.net

Hosted by Alan Shark

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Episodes

Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Tune in to Dr. Alan Shark’s interviews with technology leaders from cities and counties across the nation. This series focuses on various aspects of technology leadership, including emergency response, the evolving role of AI, digital service delivery, citizen communication, emerging technologies, and future requirements for professional development.

Listen to episodes

49 recent

May 11, 2026

Season 6, Episode 6: Tech Leadership – Balancing People and Technology

Season 6, Episode 6: Tech Leadership – Balancing People and TechnologyA conversation with Angie Wright, CGCIO, Chief Technology Officer at City of Beaumont, Texas, with Co-host Mary Frances Coryell, Chief Revenue Officer, CITIBOT.Angie Wright has been with the City of Beaumont, Texas, for nearly 15 years, with the last 3.5 years serving as Chief Technology Officer. From a sales associate role at RadioShack, she moved up the network admin chain, then toward tech leadership positions of increasing responsibility. Angie is a nationally recognized tech leader known for her practical approach to technology, commitment to staff development, and appreciation for the human touch.

April 18, 2026

Season 6: Episode 5: AI, Organizational Leadership, and the Water Sector: The Power, Peril, and Potential of AI for Emerging Leaders

Season 6: Episode 5: AI, Organizational Leadership, and the Water Sector: The Power, Peril, and Potential of AI for Emerging LeadersA conversation with Alan Shark and Google’s NotebookLM.Why AI matters now in the water sector. In an Emerging Leaders Workshop held a few days ago in Washington, DC, sponsored by the Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association (WWEMA), Dr. Alan R. Shark led a session, “AI, Organizational Leadership, and the Water Sector: The Power, Peril, and Potential of AI for Emerging Leaders. He spoke about why AI matters now in the water sector and the implications for many other sectors as well.

March 26, 2026

Season 6: Episode 4: Overcoming AI Paralysis and the Dangers of Shadow AI

Season 6: Episode 4: Overcoming AI Paralysis and the Dangers of Shadow AIA conversation with Alan Shark and Google’s NotebookLM.In a recent interview with AI Data Press, Dr. Shark discusses the growing tension between institutional caution and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence. He argues that public sector leaders are suffering from governance paralysis, remaining stagnant while waiting for flawless regulations. This hesitation leads to the rise of "shadow AI," where employees use unapproved tools independently, inadvertently creating security and privacy risks. To combat this, Shark suggests that organizations must prioritize AI literacy and engage in measured experimentation rather than avoid AI altogether. Listening to the virtual “guests” is illuminating.

March 6, 2026

Season 6: Episode 3: An Innovator in Practice – from AI Accountability to Improving Citizen Communications

Season 6: Episode 3: An Innovator in Practice – from AI accountability to improving citizen communications. A conversation with Mike Dawisha, CIO of Genesee County (MI), with Co-host Mary Frances Coryell, Chief Revenue Officer, CITIBOT. Mike Dawisha is a seasoned IT professional leader who is action-oriented and an innovator in practice. He inspires his staff to be innovators themselves and is someone with a shared vision that is what is most needed now in Genesee County. In this episode, we explore many of the issues he faces and his biggest concern about AI and accountability.

February 12, 2026

Season 6: Episode 2: : Leading Change: How Chief Digital & Innovation Officers Are Reshaping Public Service

Season 6: Episode 2: : Leading Change: How Chief Digital & Innovation Officers Are Reshaping Public Service A conversation with Crosby Burns, Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, County of Marin (CA), with Co-host Mary Frances Coryell, Chief Revenue Officer, CITIBOT. A relatively new position, Crosby shares how he is navigating the path forward, making Marin County a model of excellence through it digital services. For over a decade, before coming to Marin County, Crosby has straddled both the public and private sectors, building on his impressive experience viewing the world through the lens of customer experience. You will find Crosby both inspiring and visionary.

January 27, 2026

Season 6: Episode 1: AI and the Student Paradox, AI Agent NotebookLM Explains!

Season 6: Episode 1: AI and the Student Paradox, AI Agent, NotebookLM Explains A conversation with Alan Shark and Google’s NotebookLM We begin Season Six with a demonstration of the powerful and inventive AI Agent, NotebookLM. The “student paradox” can be explained as follows: While private and public employers increasingly demand candidates with strong proficiency in AI, higher education institutions often view these same skills as academic dishonesty. NotebookLM was designed as an experimental AI-powered research and note-taking too. Listen, as you will be simply amazed by what it can do! It is a podcast within a podcast.

December 21, 2025

Season 5: Episode 17: Predictions for 2026 and AI

Season 5: Episode 17: Predictions for 2026 and AIA conversation with Alan Shark and cohost Mary Frances Coryell, Chief Revenue Officer at CITIBOTIn this concluding episode of Season 5, Alan shares his predictions for 2026, primarily about AI, and Mary Frances discusses changes she has witnessed firsthand in the adoption of AI in state and local government. Together, they discuss what we might expect in 2026.

December 14, 2025

Season 5: Episode 16: Pharr Out Tech Leadership with Passion and Vision

Season 5: Episode 16: Pharr Out Tech Leadership with Passion and VisionA conversation with Jose Peña, Innovation & Technology Director, City of Pharr, TXIn this episode, we feature Jose Peña, Innovation & Technology Director for the City of Pharr, Texas, cohosted by Mary Frances Coryell, Chief Revenue Officer at CITIBOT. Joe has done some fantastic things at the City of Pharr, which is nothing less than inspiring. He is a true leader and indeed not your typical city CIO!

November 7, 2025

Season 5: Episode 15: A Thoughtful Approach to Tech Leadership

Season 5: Episode 15: A Thoughtful Approach to Tech Leadership A conversation with Jeff Scheetz, CGCIO, CISM, Chief Information Officer, City of Avondale, Arizona In this episode, we feature Mary Frances Coryell from CITIBOT as our co-host. Jeff Scheetz is a well-known and highly regarded tech leader who has served as the CIO of Avondale for over eight years. Join us as we learn how Jeff has led his city into digital transformation, including the adoption of AI.

October 21, 2025

Season 5: Episode 14: A Thoughtful Approach to Tech Leadership

Season 5: Episode 14: A Thoughtful Approach to Tech Leadership A conversation with Joe Rivera, Director, Information Services & Telecommunication Administration, City of Laredo, Texas Having started in the private sector, Joe has demonstrated a steady progression in tech leadership and, more importantly, a track record of success. Join us as we discuss local tech and the numerous challenges that confront today’s tech leaders. In this episode, we feature Mary Frances Coryell from CITIBOT as our co-host.