From Silicon Valley's Clean Rooms to AI's Frontier: A Bridge to What's Next ✨

Back in the early ’70s, I had no clue I was about to walk into a revolution. Each shift started the same way—tugging on a basic nylon smock and hairnet (nothing like today’s fancy bunny suits). That semiconductor fab was supposed to be just a job, but it became something far bigger—my real education. By day, I was a community college student; by night, I was navigating the clean rooms of Silicon Valley, learning firsthand what transformation really looked like.

Those late nights among wafers and machines taught me resilience, adaptability, and the kind of lessons no lecture hall could offer. And that was just the beginning. I went from fab operator to trainer, software program manager, change strategist/ practitioner, and author—proving that reinvention isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a way of life. Along the way, I also spent three years as an internet-based radio show host, and now, with my upcoming podcast Seeing Through Silicon, I’m continuing the conversation—bringing untold stories of tech’s past to life.

Now, as we stand on the brink of another seismic shift with AI, those early lessons feel more relevant than ever. Because behind every technological breakthrough—whether in semiconductors or AI—lies something far more powerful: human trust, ingenuity, and the courage to adapt.

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How I Use AI (and Why I Tell You)

I don’t always use AI but when I do, it’s to help me think better, not to replace my thinking.

Sometimes I use AI tools to help clarify ideas, test assumptions, draft language, or sharpen phrasing. Other times, it’s more behind-the-scenes helping me brainstorm visuals, generate simple code, mix in a bit of music, or explore layout and formatting. Think of it as part of the creative toolkit—not the author or artist.

That said, what I share here isn’t automated. Every decision about tone, structure, message, visuals, and direction is mine. If I use AI in any form whether it’s writing, images, video, code, or audio, it’s always filtered through my own intent, values, and editorial judgment.

I don’t call out AI use in every post or piece, because that would get repetitive. Instead, I’ve added a short note at the end of posts so readers are aware that AI might have been involved, even if only lightly.

Bottom line: what appears here is the result of my thinking, shaped with the help of tools but owned, edited, and shared with care.

Why This Matters Now

AI and automation are transforming industries faster than ever. But while others focus on what these tools can do, A Bridge to AI explores a deeper question:

How can humans rise to meet the change?

We center on four core pillars: Trust. Adaptability. Resilience. Reinvention. (TARR) These are the muscles we need to strengthen—individually and collectively—to not just survive disruption, but shape what comes next.

This isn’t just another moment of change. This is your invitation to lead it.

Meet Your Guide

Technology evolves, but one truth remains: trust and human connection fuel every meaningful breakthrough. From the semiconductor revolution to today’s AI frontier, I’ve seen firsthand how progress depends not just on innovation—but on how well we navigate change together.

Now, in an era where machines are making more decisions than ever, trust is no longer just a human-to-human concern. How do we build trust between humans and AI? And just as importantly, how do we prevent blind trust in technology from leading us astray?

Through A Bridge to AI, I’m here to help you cut through the noise, rethink what it means to collaborate with intelligent systems, and develop the adaptability needed to thrive in this new era. Trust, resilience, and curiosity aren’t just abstract concepts—they’re the keys to shaping a future where AI enhances, rather than replaces, human ingenuity.

Join me as we explore the critical questions shaping our time. Whether you’re an innovator, a skeptic, or simply AI-curious, this journey is about more than just technology—it’s about forging better connections between people, ideas, and the intelligent systems reshaping our world.

Learn more about me at DeeMcCrorey.com

Your Work is Changing—Let’s Navigate It Together.

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