About Thinking Enabled

Making AI Human.

Thinking Enabled helps leaders move from uncertainty about AI to confident, practical adoption. Our mission is to empower people and organizations to understand and use AI effectively, responsibly and humanely, combining human-centered UX thinking with practical education.

Founder Richard Turner spent 20 years launching new technology in the television industry, followed by eight years leading product and UX on mission software for defense, aviation and emergency management.

“I help leaders figure out where AI can improve the way their teams work and what to test before they invest.”

Richard Turner, founder of Thinking Enabled
Richard TurnerFounder, Thinking Enabled

The story

From the control room to the mission room

Every chapter taught the same lesson: new technology only works when the people using it understand it and stay in charge.

  1. 1995–2013TBS and TNT · Turner Entertainment NetworksHired into the newly founded digital department out of college. Pioneered two-screen and synchronous interactive TV, then led digital product for the TBS and TNT brands.
  2. 2013–2016UP EntertainmentJoined as the network renamed to UP and launched a complete new set of online properties on a tight timeline, then moved them to a more scalable platform.
  3. 2016–2024Trideum CorporationChief Design Technologist and Senior Program Manager. Led product and UX teams building mission software for State and Federal agencies, aviation and emergency management.
  4. 2024–nowThinking EnabledFounded to help growing businesses adopt AI the same way: people first, with a clear target, a rehearsal and a decision.
A man in a dark suit, seen from behind, looks down an empty red carpet before a televised awards show, with camera positions along the rope line.
Illustration created with AI. Photography wasn’t allowed.
A product lead points to wireframes and a flow chart on a wall screen while three colleagues review printed screens at a conference table.
Illustration created with AI. Photography wasn’t allowed.
IN THE FIELDCORPUS CHRISTI, TX

“During a disaster simulation in Corpus Christi, my team observed how people used the software alongside their existing tools, procedures, and workarounds. The team used what it learned to improve the interface. That is the same research habit I bring to AI discovery.”RICHARD TURNER

How we work

Four things we hold to

People stay in chargeAI drafts, suggests and speeds things up. A person decides. We call it the Director rule.
Plain languageIf your team cannot explain it, they will not use it. No jargon, no hype.
Fit before toolsWe start with the job to be done and pick the tool last, with no vendor bias.
Decisions, not pilotsEvery engagement ends in a named decision, from a Greenlight call (proceed, revise, park) to an On Air call (go, adjust, no-go), so nothing drifts into production.

Responsible AI

Our Responsible AI statement

What clients, students and readers can expect from us when AI is part of the work.

  1. 01A person owns every decision. AI output is a draft until someone accountable reviews and approves it.
  2. 02Your data stays yours. We never put client data into tools that train on it, and we follow your policies first.
  3. 03Vendor-neutral advice. Client recommendations are based on fit alone. We disclose any affiliate links on public pages.
  4. 04We say when we used AI. If AI helped produce something we deliver, we tell you how.
  5. 05Rehearse before launch. New AI workflows are tested with real people and real cases before they go live.
  6. 06Know when to say no. If AI is the wrong answer for a problem, we will tell you.

Recommendations

From the people who worked alongside him

More excerpts from LinkedIn recommendations, from the first job out of college to the mission software years.

“I’ve known Richard professionally and as a friend for two decades, hiring him for his first job out of college in the newly founded digital department at Turner Entertainment Networks. … Richard exemplified integrity, passion for his work, strong leadership and unwavering fairness in every situation.”
Thomas WagesChief People Officer, Dwell Design StudioSAME TEAM · 2013
“Richard is a great partner and an effective leader. He has done a terrific job of extending the TNT and TBS brands onto digital platforms with innovative ideas and strong creative.”
Jason ValentzasMarketing and Digital LeaderPEER, DIFFERENT TEAM · 2013
“He has the unique skills needed to bridge between executives, management and technical personnel, with the ability to effectively communicate with all.”
Lewis HundleyPresident, Grounds for HopeSENIOR COLLEAGUE · 2024
“During my time under Richard, his oversight and mentoring of the UX team led us through the creation of Orchestrate (a planning tool targeted at UAS missions – in partnership with LoneStar UAS and the FAA) that was ultimately trademarked by Trideum.”
Sean RinehartFormer UX Program Manager, TrideumREPORTED TO RICHARD · 2024
“Richard is a great design team leader because he is very good at adapting to differing personalities and facilitating good communication internally amongst the team & externally with the customer.”
Louis FinklesteinUX DesignerREPORTED TO RICHARD · 2024
“Richard is an exceptional visionary with a strong commitment to serving the success of others. His passion for enabling others and ensuring customer success is unparalleled.”
Brian HobsonPrincipal Solutions ArchitectPEER, DIFFERENT TEAM · 2024

Read all 24 recommendations on LinkedIn →

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