Transitioning from a long career in public service to a position in the AI-driven tech sector has been a significant shift, marked by both stark differences and unexpected similarities, according to Patti Kenney's reflections on her move to Deepgram. While the government setting emphasized consistency, transparency, and accountability with a risk-averse culture, the private tech world fosters creativity and ownership, encouraging employees to learn through experimentation, as Kenney experienced firsthand with Deepgram's open access to tools and resources. Despite initial concerns about leaving a mission-driven environment, Kenney found a comparable sense of purpose in her new role, where the focus is on developing technologies that will advance human-computer interaction. She also notes the practical conveniences of the private sector, such as efficient travel booking and the ability to work flexibly from home, which reflect a culture of trust and autonomy. Ultimately, Kenney feels grateful for her career path and excited about the prospect of contributing to innovation while maintaining a sense of shared purpose and teamwork.