Unlocking the Power of the Cloud: Governance, Artificial Intelligence, Risk Management, Value

The cloud revolution is reshaping the foundation of business. The old playbook is obsolete. The new rules haven’t been written-until now. Unlocking the Power of the Cloud delivers the definitive blueprint for governing in the cloud. Taking a groundbreaking ’business-first’ approach, this book reveals how cloud computing creates unprecedented opportunities while fundamentally disrupting every aspect of corporate governance. The authors expose the critical intersection where cloud infrastructure meets AI deployment, showing you how to harness this convergence for competitive advantage. You will discover how a cloud governance ecosystem accelerates innovation rather than constrains it, manage risks that did not exist five years ago, and turn compliance from a cost center into a strategic differentiator. The stakes are high. The opportunities are great. Your competitors are already moving. The question is not whether you will adapt-it is whether you will lead. This book is essential reading for CEOs, boards of directors, CIOs, security professionals, auditors, and risk management professionals who refuse to let their organizations become casualties of the cloud revolution. You can unleash the power of the cloud and AI to drive long-term value, innovation, and good governance at your organization.

Meredith Stein, CPA, has substantial and diverse experience in the domain of governance, including designing, operationalizing, and assessing governance structures, including enterprise risk management (ERM), internal controls, and external audits of financial statements. The design and deployment of governance-related executive education and training programs have been central to her various roles.

Meredith works for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a U.S. Federal Government agency. She improves program management and performance by organizing, aligning, assessing, remediating, and monitoring corporate and program risk, and ensuring program integrity and compliance. Meredith is also actively involved in governance-related, learning and development initiatives. Previously, Meredith worked for the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. Prior to that, she worked in KPMG’s audit and advisory practices as a manager where she conducted audits and led Sarbanes-Oxley and governance-related consulting projects.

Meredith received her undergraduate degree in Accounting from the American University Kogod School of Business.

David Linthicum is a globally renowned thought leader in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and cybersecurity, with over 30 years of experience in enterprise technology. As the former Managing Director and Chief Cloud Strategy Officer at Deloitte Consulting LLP, David pioneered the integration of AI-driven solutions into cloud infrastructures, enabling business transformation and innovation for companies worldwide.

He has authored over 17 best-selling books, thousands of articles, and more than 70 LinkedIn Learning courses, focusing on the strategic applications of AI and cloud technologies. An accomplished speaker, educator, and GenAI architecture mentor, David is celebrated for developing advanced AI strategies and mentoring the next generation of technology professionals. Named among top influencers in AI and cloud, his accolades include being a featured keynote speaker and media commentator on emerging enterprise technologies. Currently, he leads Linthicum Research, providing expert guidance to Global 2000 companies, startups, and government agencies as they navigate digital transformation.

David holds a BS in Management from George Mason University.