In Collaboration with the NSBE Entrepreneurship SIG, for which Dr. Cristi serves as the Communication Director of its Board of Directors By now, you’ve heard it everywhere: “AI is changing everything.” While that’s true, it’s no longer a “nice-to-have. The real question for Entrepreneurs is which tools are worth your time, your money, and your learning curve? For Entrepreneurs, especially those building from the ground up, the real challenge isn’t access to tools; it’s discernment. With...

As an Engineer, I'll tell you value is measured by efficiency, output, and design integrity . However, as a Leader, I’d counter that value is something deeper. It’s the intersection of people, purpose, and progress; the ability to align what we do with why it matters. Over the past few weeks, I’ve explored how Value Engineering (VE) strengthens leadership development: from understanding its principles, to integrating AI as a multiplier for smarter decisions. However, at the core of every...

When I first began applying Value Engineering to leadership, the focus was clear: analyze functions, eliminate waste, and deliver maximum impact with minimal resources. However, as technology evolved, so did the opportunity to think even bigger. Enter Artificial Intelligence — the modern multiplier that expands a Leader’s ability to see patterns, predict outcomes, and make smarter, faster, more informed decisions. AI, AI, AI…it’s everywhere, but most people don’t know how to best utilize it...