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Conference Spotlight
2026 ANS Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
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On moving fast and breaking things
Craig Piercycpiercy@ans.org
So much of what is happening in federal nuclear policy these days seems driven by a common approach popularized in the technology sector. Silicon Valley calls it “move fast and break things,” a phrase originally associated with Facebook’s early culture under Mark Zuckerberg. The idea emerged in the early 2000s as software companies discovered that rapid iteration, frequent experimentation, and a willingness to tolerate failure could dramatically accelerate innovation. This philosophy helped drive the growth of the social media, smartphones, cloud computing, and digital platforms that now underpin modern economic and social life.
Today, that mindset is also influencing federal nuclear policy. The Trump administration views accelerated nuclear deployment as part of a broader competition with China for technological and AI leadership. In that context, it seems willing to accept greater operational risk in pursuit of strategic advantage and long-term economic and security objectives.
Educational Session|Panel|Sponsored by Workforce Development
Wednesday, August 11, 2021|8:30–10:00AM EDT |Calusa 6
Track Organizers:
David Heler (Nuclear Human Resources Group/Accelerant)
Doug Henderson (Accelerant Tech)
Jason Lanier (Duke Energy)
Knowledge Manager:
Greg Swain (Duke Energy)
This session will be an opportunity for participants to learn about Duke Energy’s journey to transform the tools and processes of the nuclear work management and execution system, enabling a dynamic and highly productive workforce. The session leader will discuss Duke’s approach to innovation, digital workers, and the journey road map. There will be an opportunity for participant to discuss innovative solutions they are pursuing to optimize their work management system.
Brent Tolan
Duke Energy
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