Welcome to "AI or Not," the podcast where we explore the intersection of digital transformation and real-world wisdom, hosted by the accomplished Pamela Isom. With over 25 years of experience guiding leaders in corporate, public, and private sectors, Pamela, the CEO and Founder of IsAdvice & Consulting LLC, is a veteran in successfully navigating the complex realms of artificial intelligence, innovation, cyber issues, governance, data management, and ethical decision-making.
Tired of watching incumbents sweep up federal work while your proposals stall? We sit down with Carroll Bernard—Navy veteran, former SBA insider, and co-founder of Govology—to unpack a practical path small businesses can use to win today: start where you can win, build real value, and put AI to work on the right problems.
Carroll traces his journey from supply officer to educator, explaining how Govology has trained over 25,000 learners and why early pursuit beats last-minute bids. We dig into the hidden power of micro purchases as a low-friction onramp, the bigger opportunity across state and local markets, and the mindset shift from chasing certifications to delivering best-value outcomes. You’ll hear why proposals are the final step—not the strategy—and how conversations about gaps, goals, and pain points can shape buyer demand long before a solicitation hits SAM.gov.
We also get tactical with AI. Instead of dangling six-figure platforms, Carroll shows how to map processes, target bottlenecks, and decide where simple automation is enough and where AI’s reasoning adds lift. From using ChatGPT to flag contract risks and sharpen copy to activating Microsoft Copilot and SharePoint, we focus on tools you likely already have. We talk governance, security, and change management so your investment doesn’t gather dust. And we preview Govology’s SAMI chatbot—an AI concierge that turns a course library into a guided learning experience, hinting at a future where every small contractor deploys AI agents to inform buyers, surface past performance, and accelerate decisions.
If you’re a small or disadvantaged business owner looking for a playbook you can afford, this conversation will help you design a value ladder, pick your first winnable targets, and integrate AI step by step with human oversight. Subscribe, share this episode with a fellow founder navigating procurement, and leave a review with the one workflow you’ll automate first.
