Michael Stout is an executive coach, AI consultant, and digital transformation leader with over three decades in executive technology leadership—shaping strategy, driving measurable outcomes, and guiding organizations through complex change. He combines strategic foresight with deep technical expertise to help leaders harness AI, data, and automation to create competitive advantage and sustainable growth. Originally from Northern California, Michael began hacking in the 1980s and built his career through senior IT and cybersecurity leadership roles during the dot-com boom. Today, he works with clients to modernize operations, elevate decision-making, and embed intelligent technologies that enhance performance and resilience. He helps organizations integrate AI-driven insights into governance, risk, and strategy—bridging the gap between innovation and execution. His leadership development and advisory work focus on empowering teams to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Michael designs and delivers executive workshops and advanced training on leadership in the AI era, ethical technology adoption, and digital transformation strategy. His approach blends technical precision with human-centered leadership principles to develop adaptable, forward-looking leaders. He holds a master’s degree in IT with a concentration in information security, with research focused on cyberwarfare defense. He is also an AI Certs Certified Trainer and holds several postgraduate certificates in AI and machine learning. He has lectured for intelligence, military, and law enforcement institutions and spoken at international conferences from New Zealand to Greenland on topics including emerging technologies, digital transformation, and leadership in the intelligent age. Michael is passionate about what AI can offer society and believes the technology should be available and accessible to all.