In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Vinay Singh, former CFO and Chief AI Officer at HUD and now Chief Experience Officer of Velocity Group Solutions, to talk all things AI, innovation, and impact. From spinning records as a college DJ to spinning up national AI strategy, Vinay brings a refreshingly human perspective to the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence. He and Shelley dig into how the federal government is adopting AI, the balance between innovation and risk, and what real transparency should look like in this space. Vinay also unpacks why fear of AI is often misplaced, how “AI literacy” is the new must-have skill for every professional (and parent), and why the future of AI should be focused on connection, not control. His take? AI should give us back time to think, create, and, most importantly, talk to each other again. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate the hype, the headlines, and the human side of AI, this episode delivers grounded insights and optimism from someone who’s been on both sides of the government–industry divide. To connect with Vinay, visit his LinkedIn profile here.Learn more about Velocity Group Solutions by visiting their website here.