Celia Desmond is President of World Class – Telecommunications, providing telecommunications management training. Celia established and ran the PMO for Echologics. Her team managed all proposals, contracts and project management processes, She has lectured internationally on programs for success in
today’s changing environment. As Director at Stentor Resource Center Inc., she was instrumental in establishing governance, culture and service/product development processes. At Bell Canada, Celia provided strategic direction to corporate planners, ran technology/service trials, standardized equipment, and
supported large business clients.

Celia was 2016-1017 IEEE Division III Director. She has held numerous IEEE positions including, Secretary, IEEE VP – Technical Activities, ComSoc President, IEEE Canada President, VP Technology and Engineering Management Society and Project Director for ComSoc’s Wireless Engineering Certification. Celia holds MSc. Engineering, B.Sc. Mathematics & Psychology, Ontario Teaching Certificate and PMP certification. Celia has taught kindergarten, high school, and at 5 universities. She is author of 2 Project Management books.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celia-desmond-b92117/

Summary:
In this insightful episode of the IEEE Thames podcast, host Jeff Perry sits down with Celia Desmond, a seasoned telecommunications management expert whose career journey spans from teaching kindergarten to leading complex engineering initiatives at Bell Canada. Celia shares her experiences navigating diverse professional roles, offering strategies for managing large-scale projects and transitioning between industry and research environments. Her reflections underscore the vital role of personal initiative, adaptability, and continuous learning in career advancement.

Listeners will gain practical guidance on building a career beyond technical expertise—exploring how to cultivate leadership skills, create meaningful professional networks, and thrive in both small and large organizations. Whether you're early in your engineering journey or a seasoned professional, this episode provides valuable lessons on career ownership, project management, and the evolving demands of technology-driven roles.

Jeff's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffcperry/

Produced by: IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society
Please write to us at ieeetemsemail@gmail.com to share your feedback.

The podcast features Dr. Saurabh Sinha, a professor and executive dean at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, discussing the role of augmented AI (A2I) in shaping the future of technology, particularly in telecommunications and beyond. Dr. Sinha begins by sharing his experience with the IEEE Technology Prediction Reports from 2022 and 2023, where he observed a shift in AI's impact. Initially seen as a standalone technology, AI has now become integral to various domains, both technological and non-technological.

He explains how A2I differs from traditional AI by emphasizing the need to focus on human and societal aspects alongside technological advancements. This approach aligns with the concept of the Fifth Industrial Revolution, where AI is not just about efficiency and speed but also about inclusivity and ethics.

Dr. Sinha delves into the role of A2I in telecommunications, particularly with the advent of 5G and 6G. He highlights the importance of integrating AI with ethics and societal values to ensure technology is inclusive and beneficial to all. He also touches on the ethical implications of AI and how A2I could help address biases and other challenges in the development of AI systems.

The conversation also explores the role of AI in everyday life, the impact of large language models (LLMs), and the importance of ethically aligned design in shaping AI's future. Dr. Sinha advocates for a balanced approach, where AI serves humanity's broader goals, including achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

In closing, he reflects on IEEE's shift in focus towards "advancing technology for humanity" and expresses hope for a future where technology and human values are intertwined to create a better world.

Link to the Original Paper: S. Sinha, J. W. Lambrechts, A. Bimana and A. Ashipala, "Augmented Artificial Intelligence in 5G, 6G, and Beyond: A Quantum Leap," in IEEE Computer, vol. 58, no. 1, pp. 24-32, Jan. 2025, doi: 10.1109/MC.2024.3445532

Produced by: IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society
Please write to us at ieeetemsemail@gmail.com to share your feedback.

In this episode, the host of TEMS Radio, Manju Iyer is in a conversation with Jeff Perry, a leadership and career expert known for helping individuals, teams, and organizations unlock their potential in all facets of life. Given his background in engineering, business, and leadership, he specializes in working with engineering and technical professionals, but the principles he shares are universal.

Jeff is the author of the bestselling book, The Intentional Engineer: A Guide to a Purpose-Driven Life and Career for Engineers and Technical Professionals as well as the new book The Intentional Career Guide to Professional Networking.

Jeff received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington.

A sought-after teacher and speaker, Jeff is happily married to Robin. Together they have four children, and live in beautiful Pullman, Washington.

Produced by: IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society
Please write to us at ieeetemsemail@gmail.com to share your feedback.