Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about disruption, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
I’ve always had a broad interest in many subjects and a passion for service, which led me to pursue a diverse career path. My journey started at the Air Force Academy, where I developed strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of strategic planning and teamwork. From there, I moved through various roles in the military, healthcare, and technology sectors, including positions at Apple and GE. Each step provided valuable lessons and experiences that shaped my approach to leadership and innovation, ultimately leading me to my current role at Synergist Technology.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
Synergist Technology is committed to transparency, compliance, and ethical AI governance, things that many companies talk about but don’t always back up through action. One particular story that highlights this is our development of a comprehensive AI governance platform. We worked with multiple stakeholders across different sectors to ensure that our platform addresses the unique compliance needs of each industry. This collaborative approach has not only enhanced the effectiveness of our solution but also built trust with our clients, as they see the value in a platform designed with their specific challenges in mind.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
My curiosity has always driven me to explore new areas and learn continuously. For example, while at Apple, I delved deeply into the integration of healthcare technology, leading to the development of solutions like the ECG feature on the Apple Watch. Resilience has also been crucial in navigating the challenges of different industries. At GE, I faced the challenge of aligning innovative healthcare technologies with market needs. Despite setbacks, I persisted, leading successful innovation labs that developed impactful healthcare solutions. Additionally, I believe in the power of inclusive leadership. During my time in the military, I learned the importance of listening to and valuing the input of all team members, which I continue to practice. This approach promotes a collaborative environment where everyone feels their contributions are valued.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader? I’m curious to understand how these challenges have shaped your leadership.
In a previous role, I faced a tough decision between investing in a new technology that promised long-term efficiency gains and allocating resources to immediate team support and development. After thorough analysis and consultations, I chose to prioritize the team’s immediate needs, recognizing that a motivated and well-supported team would ultimately drive more sustainable success. This experience reinforced my belief that leadership involves balancing strategic foresight with the welfare of the team. It shaped my approach to decision-making by emphasizing empathy and long-term impact.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Let’s begin with a basic definition so that all of us are on the same page. In the context of a business, what exactly is “Disruption”?
I think disruption is the process of challenging and changing established norms, practices, and technologies to bring innovation to life. Many times it also involves introducing new methods or products that redefine industry standards and create new value for customers.
How do you perceive the role of ‘disruption’ within your industry, and how have you personally embraced it? Is it a necessity, a strategy, or something else entirely in your view?
Disruption is both a necessity and a strategy in the field of AI governance and compliance. It’s essential because the rapid evolution of AI technologies requires constant adaptation and improvement of governance frameworks. Personally, I have embraced disruption by continuously seeking out new approaches and solutions that challenge the status quo, ensuring that Synergist Technology remains at the forefront of ethical AI implementation.
What lessons have you learned from challenging conventional wisdom, and how have those lessons shaped your leadership style?
Challenging conventional wisdom has taught me the value of flexibility and open-mindedness. One key lesson is that innovation often comes from unexpected places. At Apple, I learned to value the insights of younger team members, which led to breakthroughs in healthcare technology. These experiences have shaped my leadership style to be more inclusive and adaptive, always open to new ideas and perspectives.
Disruptive ideas often meet resistance. Could you describe a time when you faced significant pushback for a disruptive idea? How did you navigate the opposition, and what advice would you give to others in a similar situation?
When I proposed implementing a new and relatively unknown CRM system, I encountered significant resistance from team members who were accustomed to the old process. To address this, I organized a series of workshops to demonstrate the benefits and gather feedback. This approach helped ease concerns and build buy-in. My advice to others in similar situations is to engage stakeholders early, communicate the benefits clearly, and be open to adapting your approach based on their feedback.
What are your “Five Innovative Approaches We Are Using To Disrupt Our Industry”?
1 . Transparency in AI Governance: We provide clear and actionable dashboards that allow businesses to make informed decisions about their AI use.
2 . Collaborative Compliance Frameworks: By working with various stakeholders, we tailor our compliance solutions to meet the specific needs of different industries.
3 . Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation: Our platform continuously monitors AI systems to ensure they remain compliant with evolving laws and regulations.
4 . Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement: We bring together diverse voices in the governance process, ensuring comprehensive and effective compliance strategies.
5 . Educational Initiatives: We conduct regular workshops and training sessions to educate businesses on the importance and implementation of ethical AI practices.
Looking back at your career, in what ways has being disruptive defined or redefined your path? What surprises have you encountered along the way?
Being disruptive has defined my career by constantly pushing me to explore new frontiers and challenge existing paradigms. One surprise I encountered was the extent to which cross-industry experiences enriched my perspective and ability to innovate. For instance, my background in healthcare provided me with unique insights that I applied to AI governance, leading to more robust and comprehensive solutions.
Beyond professional accomplishments, how has embracing disruption affected you on a personal level?
Embracing disruption has made me more adaptable and resilient. It has taught me to embrace change and view challenges as opportunities for growth. This mindset has not only enriched my professional life but also made me more open and flexible in my personal endeavors. Being an athlete, I’m a competitive person at heart. Disruptions in training, weather, teammates or coaches are ever-present. If you can find a way to embrace that disruption as an opportunity, you are ahead of most of your competition. For instance, I once lost a shoe at the start of a race but quickly decided to focus on running as I had trained, rather than on the missing shoe. This mindset is something I carry forward at Synergist Technology. Disruptions come in many forms for a business leader, and maintaining focus and the ability to adapt can be an incredible multiplier.
In your role as a C-suite leader, driving innovation and embracing disruption, what thoughts or concerns keep you awake at night? How do these reflections guide your decisions and leadership?
The rapid pace of technological change and the need to stay ahead of compliance requirements often keep me awake at night. With AI evolving so quickly, it’s crucial we remain at the forefront of ethical AI governance. This means ensuring our solutions are current and adaptable to future changes. These concerns drive me to prioritize continuous learning and proactive risk management. I emphasize staying informed about industry trends and regulatory updates, and I engage my team in professional development. Collaboration with stakeholders, including regulators, industry experts, and clients, is key. Their insights help shape our strategies and decision-making processes. Maintaining flexibility and agility allows us to quickly adapt to new challenges and opportunities. Ethical considerations are also very central to our approach. We build trust by incorporating ethics into every stage of our development process. Ultimately, these reflections ensure that we lead with confidence, driving innovation and disruption in a responsible and impactful manner.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I would start a movement focused on democratizing AI education and resources. By making AI knowledge and tools accessible to a broader audience, we can empower more individuals and organizations to leverage AI responsibly and ethically, driving innovation and societal benefits.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can follow my work through the Synergist Technology website at https://synergist.technology/ and connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/elycia-morris-mba-2523582/
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!