Ameritocracy

In this week's episode, join host Troy Edgar as he talks with Brett Barbre, President of Yorba Linda Water District. California, the fourth-largest economy globally relies heavily on water for various sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and tourism.

With over 30 years of experience, Brett has served on the boards of the Municipal Water District of Orange County and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. He is considered an expert on water importations from northern California via the State Water Project and from the Colorado River via the Colorado River Aqueduct. This system supplies water to approximately 20 million residents - the largest population served by any water district worldwide.

Brett shares insights on water policy and the state of California's water infrastructure along with the intersection of politics and public service.

Episode Links: Colossus: The Turbulent, Thrilling Saga of the Building of Hoover Dam by Michael Hiltzik

Richard Nixon Library

In this week's podcast, Troy Edgar sits down with Lisa Dante Papini, President and CEO of Dante Valve, a full-service manufacturer, distributor, and repair facility of valves and related products for the industrial and military markets. From warehouse clerk to leading the family business since 2016, Lisa discusses the company's important role in the U.S. shipbuilding industry and her position as Chair of the Aircraft Carrier Industrial Base Coalition (ACIBC). The ACIBC focuses on preserving the strength of the Navy's aircraft carrier force and promoting the value of its industrial base. Lisa reminds us that, 'Today's U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are the stunning result of over 2,000 companies in 44 states performing $9.4 billion worth of work.' The conversation goes beyond industry insights and follows Lisa's personal journey of resilience and kindness while navigating the challenges of assuming the role of CEO after her husband's passing in 2015.

Tune in for a compelling discussion on leadership, perseverance, and the importance of the U.S. to maintain a strong defense industrial base in order to protect our National Security.

Lisa is also a member of the Board of Trustees of GENEDGE, a manufacturing extension partnership of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and is an active member of the Submarine Industrial Base Council, the Marine Machinery Association and Shipbuilders Council of America.

Other companies mentioned in this episode that partner with Dante Valve in supporting the U.S. Navy's defense industrial base:

Huntington Ingalls Industries

W&O Supply

Australian Pump Industries Kunkle Industries

Trac Regulator Co.

This week on Ameritocracy, host Troy Edgar had the opportunity to sit down with Sohan Dasgupta, a Law Partner at Taft, Stettinius, and Hollister based in Washington, D.C. With a notable career that included serving as the former Deputy General Counsel at the Department of Homeland Security and Special Counsel of the U.S. Department of Education, Sohan now represents clients before the U.S. Supreme Court, appellate and trial courts, government agencies, and Congress. Having authored three books and played a key role in drafting the Tunisia Constitution of 2014, Sohan discusses his pursuit of higher education and how he leverages his multidisciplinary skills to address complex issues on national security, trade, white-collar litigation, and international disputes. Troy and Sohan discuss the effort required to achieve merit and success, with Sohan underlining the importance of holding yourself to a higher standard. "If you treat yourself with respect, honor, and dignity you make it possible for others to treat you that way as well." Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

In this week's Ameritocracy episode, host Troy Edgar had the privilege of interviewing Suzanne Mann Coppel. Suzanne was born in Manheim, Germany in 1933. She is a Holocaust survivor and former Jewish refugee in Western Europe where the genocide claimed over 6 million lives from 1933 to 1945.

In 1949, Suzanne left her family at age 16 and immigrated from Europe to New York. Now, at 90, she shares her perspective and delivers a powerful message urging us to care for America. She emphasizes the importance of staying informed, being engaged, and exercising our right to vote.

This episode was recorded prior to the attack on Israel on October 7th, 2023. The intention of this episode is to share a historical narrative of overcoming adversity and we are grateful to Suzanne for bravely sharing her story.

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

This week from Stockholm, Sweden, we are diving into the world of NATO's supply chain management in this episode of Ameritocracy with Troy Edgar featuring guest David Platt, Moody's Corporation's Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer.

Join us as we follow David's career journey to his current role at Moody's where he has overseen corporate strategic planning and led over $8 billion in M&A and investments to advance Moody's global integrated risk assessment growth strategy. We also get into our discussion of NATO's supply chain challenges and the importance of data, analytical solutions, and generative AI in decision-making.

This is a great episode for those interested in Supply Chain and the power of data in managing risks.

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

Join host Troy Edgar at the NATO Industry Forum in Stockholm, Sweden as he sits down with Leendert Van Bochoven, IBM Technology Global Leader for Defense, Intel, and NATO. Leendert is based in Amsterdam and shares his career journey to becoming a distinguished industry leader with an extraordinary network and global eminence. Listen to this insightful conversation on the art of building successful relationships, the path from national to global prominence, and transforming setbacks into triumphs.

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

In this week's podcast episode, Troy Edgar meets with Mark Newsome, IBM Consulting Vice President & Senior Partner, U.S. Federal Healthcare. Mark's approach to management in IBM's Veterans Affairs and Defense Health programs demonstrates valuable lessons in humble and thoughtful leadership. Mark shares his journey of resilience from his childhood in Prentiss, MS to Washington, D.C., his foundation for success, and his mantra "service before self, humility, and excellence." This is a must-hear conversation for leaders in the business industry and veterans transitioning into the corporate world.

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington DC.

In this week's episode, host Troy Edgar travels to Key West, Florida to meet at the Joint Interagency Task Force - South (JIATF-S) headquarters with Director, Rear Admiral Mark Fedor. Admiral Fedor shares his insights into the mission of JIATF-S, which involves countering illicit drug, human, and weapons trafficking and dismantling transnational criminal organizations.

In this episode, Admiral Fedor also discusses his service on the famed U.S. Coast Guard Cutters JAMES (WMSL-754) and MOHAWK (WMEC 913), leadership principles, and his perspective on collaborating with various US military, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies, in addition to the alliance with 20 partner nations.

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington DC.

In this week's episode of Ameritocracy, host Troy Edgar meets with Chief Eric Nuñez to explore issues including crime, law enforcement, and public safety policies in California. In addition to his role as Police Chief, Eric had recently served as President of the California Police Chiefs Association (known as Cal Chiefs). He shared details of his 31-year career to becoming a Police Chief and his pivotal role as the President of California Chiefs. Notably, he assumed this role just one month after the tragic George Floyd incident in March 2020, propelling him into the national spotlight on discussions surrounding law enforcement reform. Troy and Eric also talk about leading a team and community through losing a police officer.

If you, a family member, or a friend are thinking about self harm or considering suicide please call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington DC.

This week, host Troy Edgar meets with Pat Rose, the former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). While most people associate TSA with airport security, Pat sheds light on their broader mission, his career and overseeing a $10.4 billion budget.

In this episode, we examine the government's approach to planning and funding technology modernization, why does this process typically span 2-3 years from concept to execution?

Ameritocracy™ is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington DC.