Last year, Dr. Milton Mattox was named a Titan 100 for his role as chief technology officer at Castle Shield, a cyber security company. While he continues to serve in this role, Mattox is also the division chief executive officer at the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII) to enhance AI education and training.
USAII is in the EdTech industry with a mission to stand as the premier global provider of artificial intelligence certifications, catering to professionals, leaders, organizations, institutions, academia, and governments at any career stage who are seeking to enhance and update their expertise in the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence.
“As a titan, my commitment to sustaining growth at USAII hinges on continuously embracing forward-thinking initiatives and adapting to changing market conditions,” said Mattox. “This approach is essential in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence sector, where staying ahead means both keeping pace and setting the pace.”
Over the past year, Mattox said his greatest leadership lesson has been balancing technological innovation with business acumen. “Traditionally, my focus has predominantly been on leveraging cutting-edge technology; however, I’ve realized the necessity of deeply understanding the business side of operations,” he said. “While technological advancements are crucial, the company’s primary goal is to generate revenue, so we set specific targets, which we successfully met.”
This achievement allowed the firm to engage with venture capitalists and capital raise brokers to initiate a Series A funding endeavor, said Mattox. “Amidst focusing on solid products and financial strategies, prioritizing customer success is the most profound lesson I learned,” he said. “I’ve learned that by focusing on making our customers the actual winners, the success of the company, our stakeholders and our team members naturally follows.”
Mattox has also focused on mentoring individuals across various industries to foster an environment that nurtures the next generation of titans. “This assistance involves helping mentees clarify their career aspirations and develop actionable plans to achieve their goals,” he said. “Often, the most effective mentoring strategy is to listen attentively, providing a supportive space for individuals to express their thoughts and challenges. The more I invest in helping others, the more insights I gain into improving my leadership and mentoring skills.”
Known as an empathetic leader, Mattox said he thrives when coaching others. “I prioritize understanding and addressing my team members’ needs, emotions and perspectives,” he said. “This approach fosters a supportive and motivated environment where everyone feels valued.”
