The GuideLine Ep 5: A masterclass in people-first AI
Featuring guest Jessica Baker, Chief Data Officer, Tennessee Valley Authority
Episode Overview
What does it take to turn AI enthusiasm into lasting organizational change? In this episode of The GuideLine, Jessica Baker, Chief Data Officer at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), joins Stuart Brown to share how one of the nation’s largest public utilities is approaching AI transformation with people at the center.
Jessica walks through TVA's journey from a grassroots network of AI advocates to a structured 12-week learning program that equips employees to design, build, and deploy AI solutions of their own. Along the way, she shares TVA’s framework for measuring AI success and discusses why the next generation of tech talent is increasingly drawn to the utilities sector. The result is a practical roadmap for leaders looking to create lasting change and make AI transformation stick.
About the host
Stuart Brown, Chief Transformation Officer, Guidehouse
About the guest
Jessica Baker, Chief Data Officer, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Jessica Baker is the Chief Data Officer and Senior Director of Enterprise Data, Analytics and AI at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the nation’s largest public power provider. Known for her people-first approach to transformation, she leads efforts to translate data and AI investments into enterprise value, operational excellence, and mission-focused outcomes across the organization.