From Telecom to Tech Titan: Lumen’s Bold New Era

Pivoting From the Phone Lines

Lumen Technologies is in the middle of a dramatic transformation under the leadership of CEO Kate Johnson, who is steering the company away from its traditional telecom roots to become a digital platform innovator. In a candid interview, Johnson described the strategic retreat from legacy copper services and consumer voice as necessary steps in refocusing on enterprise connectivity and digital experiences. Rather than force-fit Lumen into an outdated model, Johnson’s vision is centered on forward-looking technologies and building a modern platform that can support automation, edge networking, and AI-driven services. The company’s recent restructuring and divestments underscore a clear mission: shift speed and resources toward digital growth opportunities.

AI and Ecosystem Ambitions

In what Johnson calls a “wickedly innovative” strategy, Lumen is aggressively leaning into artificial intelligence and ecosystem partnerships as cornerstones of its future. Johnson said that while the company won’t be building its own large language models, it will enable enterprise customers to deploy and operate AI workloads at scale, particularly at the edge. The company is developing AI-assist tools to improve internal operations and investing in automation frameworks to simplify user experiences. Partnerships with hyperscalers and service providers will further extend Lumen’s reach, as it aims to become a compelling platform choice for businesses modernizing their communications and infrastructure.