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Michael Earls
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Michael Earls
  • Leadership
    • Start Here
    • All Leadership
  • Strategy
    • Start Here
    • Enterprise Governance
    • Identity & Security
    • Platform Architecture
    • Multi-Cloud Strategy
    • Cloud Strategy Principles
    • AI & Agentic Systems
    • Cloud Cost Strategy
    • 7 Rs Modernization
    • Lift and Shift Isn’t Transformation
    • AI Agents + Cloud Spend
    • No One Owns – AI
    • Drinking the Future Water
    • The Quiet Trade Nobody Talks About in AI
  • Books
    • Start Here
    • Finding Direction in the Age of AI
    • Wired For Purpose
    • The Digital Compass
  • Change
    • Start Here
    • Gratitude
    • Growth
    • Reflection
    • Wired for Purpose
  • Insights
  • About
    • Michael Earls
    • I want more of this
    • Press
    • Contact

Posts by Michael Earls

Wired for Purpose — Week 2: Foundation

By Michael Earls | April 20, 2026
Incident Readiness and the Habits Behind the Moment

Incident readiness isn’t built in the moment—it’s built in preparation. Learn how leaders develop habits that show up when pressure hits.

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The Hidden Cost of AI: Why Data Centers Are Drinking the Future

By Michael Earls | April 15, 2026
hidden cost of ai – water

AI is accelerating demand for data centers—but behind the compute is a growing dependency on water. Here’s why water usage is becoming the next constraint in cloud and AI.

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Wired for Purpose — Week 1

By Michael Earls | April 13, 2026
morning-routine-leaders-wired-for-purpose

A simple morning routine for leaders to reclaim focus, clarity, and direction before the day takes over. Part of the Wired for Purpose series.

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AI Has the Same Problem Cloud Did — No One Owns It

By Michael Earls | April 9, 2026
ai has the ame problem cloud did no one owns it

AI isn’t failing because of technology—it’s failing because no one owns it. Learn how unclear ownership and operating models limit real transformation.

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AI Agents Are the New Cloud Spend Problem

By Michael Earls | April 8, 2026
ai agents are the new cloud spend problem

AI agents aren’t just automating work—they’re introducing a new kind of cloud cost. Without guardrails, autonomy turns into unbounded spend.

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AI Is Changing Work. But Not How You Think.

By Michael Earls | April 6, 2026
AI is changing your work

AI isn’t just changing the work—it’s changing how we show up. From trust to communication to authenticity, this is the real shift most leaders are missing.

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Lift and Shift Isn’t Transformation

By Michael Earls | March 29, 2026
Lift and Shift Isn’t Transformation | Cloud Strategy & Modernization

Most cloud migrations don’t fail—they stall. Learn why lift and shift creates the illusion of progress and what real cloud transformation requires.

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Experience Is the Hidden Advantage in the Age of AI

By Michael Earls | March 15, 2026
experience-ai-advantage-leadership

AI tools are accessible to everyone, but experience and judgment may be the real advantage in the age of AI. Why leaders over 40 and 50 may be best positioned for this shift.

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The Brain on All-Day Video: Zoom Fatigue and Staying Human in a World of Endless Meetings

By Michael Earls | March 13, 2026
Person exhausted after all-day video meetings with brain graphic representing Zoom fatigue and mental overload.

Why video meetings exhaust our brains. The neuroscience behind Zoom fatigue and how all-day video calls affect focus, energy, and the rhythm of modern work.

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Week Nine — Protecting the Change You Built

By Michael Earls | March 13, 2026
week-9-protecting-the-change-you-built-morning-routine-1920×1080

Long-term change isn’t just about building habits. It’s about protecting the routines and standards that keep your life aligned.

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Leadership, technology, and the human side of change. Author of three books on finding direction in a world that won't slow down.

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