Think Freely: AI independence for public offices and real operations.
Practical analysis on model choice, cost control, privacy-aware routing, governance, and implementation, plus conversations from podcasts and stages.
Written by an operator, not a commentator.
I've worked in digital since 1996 and lead That! Company, which has more than 750 agencies under contract. My Think Freely newsletter on Substack covers what I'm actually doing with AI at Buildtelligence and ThinkFreely, helping cities, counties, and constitutional officers: what works, what it costs, and how to keep control of public data. Visit thinkfreely.ai for the platform.
More about meWhen Congress Can Kill the Model, Can You Move the Work?
The buyer question is replaceability: if a model is interrupted, can the workload move without a rewrite.
Read on SubstackCheaper AI Is Not the Strategy
Lower model prices help, but an AI strategy also needs clear limits on spending, provider choice, and how work is routed.
Why Build on Someone Else’s Land?
When a vendor owns the workspace and its context, moving away becomes harder. Build portability into the workflow from the start.
Your Employees Are Not Your AI Privacy Strategy
Protect sensitive information before a request reaches a model. Staff training matters, but policy and routing must carry their share of the work.
Stop Sending Every Task to the Most Expensive AI Model
Match the task to the model. Routing by sensitivity, capability, and cost can keep routine work from consuming the most expensive resources.
The Government Just Proved the Point
Changes outside your organization can disrupt model access. Public offices need a way to keep workloads moving when a provider becomes unavailable.
We Have Seen This Playbook Before
Cheap access can become expensive dependence once a workflow is tied to one platform. The history of technology offers a useful warning.
Model Independence Is Not a Model Swap
Changing a model is only part of independence. The workspace, context, routing, and governance also need to move with the work.
On the mic.
From hosting The Daily Drive Show to guest spots on business podcasts. Want me on yours? Send a request.
Host
A marketing podcast for entrepreneurs, marketers, salespeople, and leaders, also aired on WQBQ 1410 AM.
One Big Tip, E158The Sevens: Putting Priorities in Perspective
The Rule of Sevens, and how it changes what you do with your time.
Manage2Win #121White Label Guru, Creator of RAD Method
How That! Company moved to white label and the RAD method for fully engaging employees and clients.
Predictive ROI, Ep. 1005How to Increase Website Traffic Organically
Organic growth, brand presence, and the Exercise of the Sevens.
LifeBloodWinning at SEO
The history of internet marketing, staying nimble, and why "why" matters most.