All Quiet on the Second Front

In this episode of All Quiet, former combat tech turned CEO and Founder of Darkhive, John Goodson, joins Tyler Sweatt to delve into the critical interplay between real-world military operations and the forefront of defense technology. With insights gained on the frontlines and in the tech lab, John discusses the critical importance of creating technologies that truly support soldiers in combat scenarios - because no one wants to deal with a software update while under enemy fire. Reflecting on the intersection of robust tech and real-world military needs, this discussion explores the essential balance of innovation and practical application in the heat of battle. 

What’s Happening on the Second Front

• Why "good on paper" doesn’t always mean "good under fire"
• How real-world combat experience shapes the future of defense technology
• The pros and cons of open-source vs. proprietary tech in defense
• What would happen if soldiers could choose their own tech? John has some ideas

Connect with John

• LinkedIn: John Goodson

Connect with Tyler

• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt

Episode 78. In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, host Tyler Sweatt is joined by Saj Huq from Plexal, a key player at the forefront of defense and security innovation. As a former pilot in the UK Royal Air Force and a veteran in the tech industry, Saj brings a wealth of experience to the table. Dive into a discussion on how Plexal is creating impactful ecosystems by bridging gaps between government, industry, and academia. This episode explores the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of national security and private sector innovation, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration and the roles different sectors play in enhancing global security and economic prosperity. 

What’s Happening on the Second Front: 

• How Plexal is fostering ecosystems that merge government, industry, and academia.
• Critical contributions of private innovation to national security.
• The strategic roles of alliances like AUKUS and NATO in enhancing global security.
• How reducing access barriers can increase sector-wide participation in defense and security.
• Exploring the link between economic stability and national security for a resilient nation.

Connect with Saj

• LinkedIn: Saj Huq

Connect with Tyler

• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt

Episode 77. On this episode of All Quiet, host Tyler Sweatt sits down with Michael Brasseur, Chief Strategy Officer of Saab and GM at Skapa. Discover Michael's seamless shift from a distinguished naval career, with tours in the White House, Pentagon, and NATO and founding Task Force 59, to leading a cutting edge transformational task force in the private sector. They delve into the creation of Saab’s Skapa, an initiative to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies and solutions. This discussion not only sheds light on the complexities of transforming large-scale operations but also on how to cultivate a culture that embraces innovation. Michael's insights on leadership, team-building, and strategic problem-solving offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to make a significant impact in their field.

What’s Happening on the Second Front:

• Strategic thinking behind major defense innovations
• Effective leadership and team-building in high-stakes environments
• Integrating AI and robotics to solving operational defense problems
• The "Skapa Innovation Flywheel" and its real-world applications

Connect with Michael:

• LinkedIn: Michael Brasseur

Connect with Tyler:

• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt

Episode 76. Join us on this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front as guest host Enrique Oti welcomes Paul Asadoorian, Principal Security Researcher at Eclypsium. During this episode, they dive into the often overlooked world of firmware security, exploring how vulnerabilities at this foundational level pose significant risks not just to our military and national security, but also to healthcare, food supply chains, and more. Discover how Paul's work seeks to transform the precarious nature of trust in our digital components into a more secure reality, ensuring the integrity of the devices we depend on every day.

What’s happening on the Second Front: 

• Firmware security risks and vulnerabilities
• Transforming false trust into true security
• Balancing and operationalizing security & compliance

Connect with Paul:

• LinkedIn: Paul Asadoorian

Connect with Enrique:

• LinkedIn: Enrique Oti

Join Tyler Sweatt on this week’s episode of All Quiet on the Second Front as he sits down with Mamie Cruse, VP of Partnerships at Second Front Systems. Dive into the intricacies of forming effective partnerships that go beyond traditional transactional frameworks to create an all-boats-rise framework. Get insights into the strategic use of partnerships as a lever for growth and the challenges of aligning partnership goals with organizational missions.

What’s Happening on the Second Front

• Fostering mutual growth and success beyond the pipeline, for end-users, partners and the company
• Navigating the challenges of early-stage growth and strategies for sustainable development
• Balancing creative ideation and operational execution within partnerships

Connect with Mamie

• LinkedIn: Mamie Cruse

Connect with Tyler

• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt

Episode 61. What if a startup could revolutionize U.S. Air Force operations by applying fintech principles to defense tech? In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, TJ Rowe, Chief Revenue Officer at Second Front, sits down with Arun Nair, CEO and Founder of OpsLab. In this special customer spotlight episode, Arun discusses his transition from fintech to defense tech, focusing on solving air mobility challenges for the Department of Defense. Discover how Ops Lab is transforming air mobility and setting new standards for defense technology.

What’s Happening on the Second Front

• Integrating commercial technology into military applications
• The role of end-user feedback in developing defense solutions
• Challenges and strategies for rapid deployment
• The importance of partnerships in scaling defense technology
• Ops Lab’s plans for broader deployment across military branches

Connect with Arun

LinkedIn: Arun Nair

Connect with TJ

Linkedin: TJ Rowe

TJ Rowe, CRO of Second Front Systems, guest hosts an engaging episode of All Quiet on the Second Front with Andrew Powell, CEO of Learn To Win. This customer spotlight episode explores Learn To Win's journey from pioneering sports learning technology to mastering defense applications. The company utilizes the synergy of learning technology and data science to revolutionize training methods, benefiting both elite athletes and military personnel. Dive into the conversation about the hurdles and triumphs in achieving product-market fit and the innovative strategies employed by Learn to Win to scale in the defense sector.

What’s Happening on the Second Front:

• The evolution from sports to defense and the adoption of dual-use technology
• How sports analytics are repurposed for defense applications, enhancing tactical readiness and operational effectiveness
• The complexities of expanding a technology business within the defense landscape.
• The role of strategic collaborations in accelerating Learn to Win’s impact and reach across defense markets

Connect with Andrew

Linkedin: Andrew Powell

Connect with TJ

LinkedIn: TJ Rowe

Join host Tyler Sweatt and Schuyler Moore, Chief Technology Officer at CENTCOM, in this compelling episode of All Quiet on the Second Front. Dive into Schuyler's journey through the realms of tech legislation to her pivotal role in driving technological advancements in military operations. This discussion illuminates CENTCOM's innovative approach to integrating cutting-edge technologies in complex and dynamic environments. Explore the development of Task Force 59, the operational impact of "Desert Guardian," and how CENTCOM is piloting the future of defense technology.

What's Happening on the Second Front:

• How CENTCOM tackles complex tech integration in volatile environments
• The culture and processes fostering rapid tech adoption at CENTCOM
• Tangible benefits of new technologies in active military operations
• How partnerships are pivotal to advancing CENTCOM's tech initiatives

Connect with Schuyler:

LinkedIn: Schuyler Moore

Connect with Tyler:

Linkedin: Tyler Sweatt

Episode 71. Join host Tyler Sweatt as he chats with Dr. Courtney Crosby from Booz Allen Hamilton about the cutting-edge of AI and decision science in defense technology. In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, discover how future-facing strategies and cognitive science are shaping the landscape of defense innovation. Dr. Crosby delves into the role of AI in addressing today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s scenarios. Whether you’re involved in defense procurement or interested in the intersections of technology and strategy, this discussion offers key insights into navigating complex systems and integrating advanced technologies in defense operations.

What’s Happening on the Second Front:

• Forecasting and preparing for future challenges
• Seamlessly Integrating AI into defense operations
• Maneuvering through the complexities of defense procurement and innovation pathways.
• The role of cognitive science in shaping decisions that drive defense strategies and technology adoption.

Connect with Dr. Courtney Crosby

LinkedIn: Dr. Courtney Crosby

Connect with Tyler Sweatt: 

LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt

Episode 70. In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, guest host Enrique Oti discusses the dynamic intersection of entrepreneurship and cybersecurity with Jeremy Vaughan, CEO of Start Left. They explore Jeremy’s entrepreneurial path and how it led him to prioritize robust security in tech development. The conversation spans from Jeremy's motivations and the foundational strategies of Start Left to the broader challenges facing startups in integrating advanced security measures. Tune in to hear how personal experiences and industry demands shape the development of innovative, secure tech solutions.

What’s Happening on the Second Front:

• Personal and professional factors driving entrepreneurs towards innovative security solutions

• Impact of early and integrated security measures on the success and sustainability of tech startups

• Ongoing challenges and strategies in cultivating a security-first culture within fast-growing tech enterprises

• Practical insights on how startups can navigate and influence the evolving cybersecurity landscape

Connect with Jeremy:

• LinkedIn: Jeremy Vaughan

Connect with Enrique:

• LinkedIn: Enrique Oti

• Website: Second Front