Paul Welty
Paul Welty
@aristotle.bsky.social
Digital transformation leader with agile and DevOps expertise, focused on higher ed. Built Emory's faculty info system. Launched Emory's Center for Innovation. Currently improving career-focused learning in continuing ed. https://www.paulwelty.com/
The New AI Leadership Matrix: Building Trust Through Controlled Chaos

In the dynamic world of AI leadership, finding the right balance between control and creativity can feel like conducting a symphony.

www.paulwelty.com/the-new-ai-l...
The New AI Leadership Matrix: Building Trust Through Controlled Chaos - Polymathic
In the dynamic world of AI leadership, finding the right balance between control and creativity can feel like conducting a symphony. I recently experienced this firsthand while observing a conductor…
www.paulwelty.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Grateful to the Rotary Club of Decatur for the opportunity to share my thoughts on AI and the education crisis on Friday.

Thank you for the warm reception and engaged discussion.

Full piece here:
The Education Crisis Nobody Can Ignore - Polymathic
If you want a glimpse of the future, start with the numbers.
www.paulwelty.com
August 20, 2025 at 12:36 PM
what happens when you move dashboard data-fetching server-side?

I now serve static dashboard pages with dynamic data pulled via python

📎
Server-Side Dashboard Architecture: Why Moving Data Fetching Off the Browser Changes Everything - Polymathic
How choosing server-side rendering solved security, CORS, and credential management problems I didn't know I had
www.paulwelty.com
August 6, 2025 at 12:36 PM
just published a piece: how to connect AI agents directly to your personal notes.

i walk through how i set up an MCP server with Trilium Notes can search, create, and update my notes programmatically. no extra UI. just direct agentic access.
Connecting AI to Personal Knowledge: Building the Trilium MCP Server - Polymathic
Personal knowledge management suffers from a fundamental interface problem. Complex note-taking systems like Trilium Notes offer powerful organizational capabilities, but accessing that information…
www.paulwelty.com
July 30, 2025 at 12:36 PM
The Docker Tailscale sidecar pattern resolves security issues, transitioning from traditional VPN/reverse proxy models to mesh networking. It preserves Docker's containerization benefits and offers remote access securely. -
How I eliminated networking complexity: Docker Tailscale sidecar patterns - Polymathic
After years of wrestling with port forwarding, certificate management, and firewall configuration for my containerized services, I discovered something that fundamentally changed how I approach…
www.paulwelty.com
July 23, 2025 at 7:57 PM
WTF happened to #ChatGPT??? I asked a normal question and all I get is snark today.
March 30, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Switching focus from content to purpose changes my approach to big goals. It's not about the number of tasks but the 'why' behind them. Purpose-driven work brings clarity. Do you feel aligned? -
Start with purpose
From Scope to Time, Content to Purpose: A Transformative Journey In the early stages of my career, my approach to work was straightforward: scope ruled supreme. The task was the task, and its compl…
www.paulwelty.com
March 18, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Academic marketing is stuck. Universities push generic branding instead of tailoring messages. This lack of precision dulls their reach. Embracing corporate finesse could revive audience engagement. -
Academic Marketing: The Overlooked Imperative
Marketing is a dominant force in nearly every industry, shaping consumer behavior, driving engagement, and defining brand perception. Yet, in academia, marketing remains an underdeveloped and often…
www.paulwelty.com
March 17, 2025 at 12:36 PM
I’m all for conditional decision-making. It means making reasonable assumptions and communicating clearly. -
“I Don’t Know” Is Never an Excuse: Make an Assumption and Document It
Introduction “I don’t know” often serves as a convenient excuse for inaction. It’s tempting to defer decisions when the information feels incomplete or uncertain. But in my experience, waiting...
www.paulwelty.com
March 16, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Why make yourself obsolete? It's about boosting efficiency and innovation. Streamline daily tasks, ditch redundancy, and embrace automation. It's about making a bigger impact. -
Try to make yourself obsolete
The idea of intentionally making oneself obsolete challenges the conventional mindset about work and job security. Instead of striving to prove irreplaceability, this approach advocates for identif…
www.paulwelty.com
March 15, 2025 at 12:42 AM
In "Branding Requires a Philosopher," I dive into figuring out a company's true identity, the core of real branding. It's about seeing the company as a whole, not just data points. Philosophers make brands truly shine. -
Branding requires a philosopher
Good branding establishes an understanding of the essence of a company. Just as a writer’s characterization allows the reader to grasp the true nature of an individual—whether fictional or nonficti…
www.paulwelty.com
March 13, 2025 at 6:42 PM
In "Branding Requires a Philosopher," I explore how conventional branding blurs identity. Instead, let's embrace a philosophical approach that taps into a company's real essence for true clarity. -
Branding requires a philosopher
Good branding establishes an understanding of the essence of a company. Just as a writer’s characterization allows the reader to grasp the true nature of an individual—whether fictional or nonficti…
www.paulwelty.com
March 12, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Purpose isn't optional; it's essential. It clears out the clutter, focusing on what truly matters. This applies to work and life. Does having clear goals give you real progress? -
Start with purpose
From Scope to Time, Content to Purpose: A Transformative Journey In the early stages of my career, my approach to work was straightforward: scope ruled supreme. The task was the task, and its compl…
www.paulwelty.com
March 11, 2025 at 2:42 PM
AI coaching is shaking up education with personalized support. It's taking on routine roles, letting human coaches have deeper talks. This blend boosts retention and sparks new learning models. -
AI as Coach: Transforming Professional and Continuing Education
Introduction In continuing education, learning doesn’t end when the course is completed. Professionals, executives, and lifelong learners often require months of follow-up, guidance, and reinforcem…
www.paulwelty.com
March 10, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Ever think about what tasks you do because you have to, versus what really matters? By weeding out the redundant stuff, we can focus on what actually fuels growth and innovation. -
Try to make yourself obsolete
The idea of intentionally making oneself obsolete challenges the conventional mindset about work and job security. Instead of striving to prove irreplaceability, this approach advocates for identif…
www.paulwelty.com
March 9, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Rethinking job roles sparks growth. Questioning task necessity uncovers true value, driving cultural shifts. Tech and automation push us to use skills for strategic initiatives. Embrace change? -
Try to make yourself obsolete
The idea of intentionally making oneself obsolete challenges the conventional mindset about work and job security. Instead of striving to prove irreplaceability, this approach advocates for identif…
www.paulwelty.com
March 8, 2025 at 1:42 AM
AI is shaking up education. It turns boring courses into dynamic, personalized learning. Materials are constantly updated. Sure, there are challenges, but the future looks more flexible. -
From Content Creation to Course Customization: How AI is Powering Hyperpersonalized Learning
Introduction The traditional education model has long struggled with its one-size-fits-all approach. Course content remains static, instruction is largely uniform, and personalization is limited to…
www.paulwelty.com
March 6, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Branding and our minds are linked. We naturally try to grasp the essence of things. Like personifying a company through branding, it reveals traits, making thoughtful messaging essential. -
Branding and Human Cognition
This post will discuss something that is at the heart of everything we do as human beings. It also shows why we have marketing and branding companies at all. Finally, it shows why I love this busin…
www.paulwelty.com
March 5, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Exploring "Branding and Human Cognition," I find that branding digs deeper than labels. It's about connecting a company's true essence with people. Understanding this process is key. -
Branding and Human Cognition
This post will discuss something that is at the heart of everything we do as human beings. It also shows why we have marketing and branding companies at all. Finally, it shows why I love this busin…
www.paulwelty.com
March 4, 2025 at 3:42 PM
In "Branding Requires a Philosopher," I suggest that just data isn't enough for branding. Philosophical insights dig deeper, capturing a company's true essence, unlike surface-level methods. -
Branding requires a philosopher
Good branding establishes an understanding of the essence of a company. Just as a writer’s characterization allows the reader to grasp the true nature of an individual—whether fictional or nonficti…
www.paulwelty.com
March 3, 2025 at 1:36 PM
AI is reshaping coaching with smart follow-ups and real-time mentoring in professional learning. AI chatbots act as virtual mentors, offering dynamic chats that aid in mastering challenges. It's a new learning era. -
AI as Coach: Transforming Professional and Continuing Education
Introduction In continuing education, learning doesn’t end when the course is completed. Professionals, executives, and lifelong learners often require months of follow-up, guidance, and reinforcem…
www.paulwelty.com
March 2, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Reframing uncertainty into something manageable really helps. Conditional reasoning offers a solid framework when you're unsure. -
“I Don’t Know” Is Never an Excuse: Make an Assumption and Document It
Introduction “I don’t know” often serves as a convenient excuse for inaction. It’s tempting to defer decisions when the information feels incomplete or uncertain. But in my experience, waiting...
www.paulwelty.com
March 1, 2025 at 1:42 AM
Time's not just a limit—it's valuable! Early wins are often better than late finishes. Focusing on time shows what truly matters. -
Start with purpose
From Scope to Time, Content to Purpose: A Transformative Journey In the early stages of my career, my approach to work was straightforward: scope ruled supreme. The task was the task, and its compl…
www.paulwelty.com
February 27, 2025 at 7:42 PM
AI coaching is revolutionizing lifelong learning by breaking cost barriers. It offers real-world simulations and uses sentiment analysis for personalized feedback and motivation in skill development. -
AI as Coach: Transforming Professional and Continuing Education
Introduction In continuing education, learning doesn’t end when the course is completed. Professionals, executives, and lifelong learners often require months of follow-up, guidance, and reinforcem…
www.paulwelty.com
February 26, 2025 at 1:36 PM
AI is breaking down old-school one-size-fits-all teaching. It's more than content delivery; it adapts to each student's unique learning style. Personalized, dynamic learning is becoming the norm. -
From Content Creation to Course Customization: How AI is Powering Hyperpersonalized Learning
Introduction The traditional education model has long struggled with its one-size-fits-all approach. Course content remains static, instruction is largely uniform, and personalization is limited to…
www.paulwelty.com
February 25, 2025 at 3:42 PM