Building the Base

In this episode of Building The Base our Host Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts dive into a compelling conversation with Nilooofar Razi Howe, a prominent investor, executive, and entrepreneur.  Niloo shares her remarkable journey from navigating revolutions as a child to becoming deeply involved in cybersecurity and technology innovation, particularly at the intersection of the private sector and the US government. 

We chat about the evolving landscape of national security, the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector, the critical role of technology in addressing modern threats, talent development, cultural shifts, and the future of innovation.

Key Takeaways:

1. Adapting to Change: Niloo emphasizes the importance of being resilient and adaptable, drawing from her experiences navigating different countries and cultures as a child. Success, she believes, lies in the ability to embrace failure and maintain enthusiasm.

2. Technology and National Security: Highlighting her transition from venture capitalism to national security post-9/11, Niloo underscores the significance of technology innovation in safeguarding both private and government sectors.

3. Talent and Purpose: Discussing the shifting priorities of the next generation, Niloo stresses the importance of purpose-driven work and aligning organizational values with individual aspirations to attract and retain top talent.

4. Collaboration and Trust: Niloo emphasizes the need for enhanced collaboration and trust between the private sector and government agencies, particularly in addressing complex national security challenges.

5. Service and Impact: Whether in entrepreneurship, government service, or nonprofit work, Niloo encourages individuals to find their unique path to serving and making a positive impact in their communities and country.

In this episode of the Digital Warfighting Series with CENTCOM, the focus is on the digital aspect of partnered operations, particularly exploring international components. Lieutenant Colonel Tuni Massey, a British Army Officer embedded within the US Central Command’s J6 branch, discusses the role of the Collaborative Partner Environment (CPE) in facilitating information sharing among coalition partners. Through CPE, CENTCOM aims to revolutionize data exchange and collaboration, breaking down barriers that traditionally hindered rapid information sharing in military operations. The conversation delves into the challenges of traditional networking, the importance of security in data sharing, and the transformative potential of CPE in enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Key Takeaways:

1. CPE enables rapid establishment of information sharing networks, reducing setup time from months to minutes, thus enhancing operational agility.

2. Unlike traditional networking, CPE operates on a zero-trust architecture, ensuring data security by controlling access at the object level.

3. The adoption of CPE necessitates a cultural shift, with users assuming greater responsibility for data tagging and sharing.

4. CPE's impact extends beyond headquarters operations, providing real-time information exchange capabilities to field commanders, thereby enhancing decision-making efficiency.

5. The development of CPE reflects CENTCOM's leadership in digital transformation within the military, with potential applications across other combatant commands and international partnerships.

In this episode of the "Digital Warfighting Series with CENTCOM,"co-hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with Brigadier General John Cogbill from CENTCOM to explore the strategic implications of digital transformation in modern warfare. From operationalizing the commander's vision to fostering a culture of innovation, Brigadier General Cogbill provides insights into how headquarters are redefining their approach to digital warfighting.

Key Takeaways:

1. Culture of Innovation: Initiatives like the Dragon's Lair and the Innovation Oasis are pivotal in unlocking the potential of servicemen and women, empowering them to become problem solvers rather than just problem identifiers.

2. Digital Transformation in Real Time: The integration of live data and real-world scenarios enables unprecedented levels of situational awareness, allowing commanders to make informed decisions and maintain a common operating picture across the AOR.

3. Experimentation and Collaboration: Despite the demands of real-world operations, CENTCOM prioritizes experimentation and collaboration with industry partners to drive digital literacy and refine warfighting capabilities.

4. Interoperability and Integration: Ensuring interoperability across components and with partner nations remains a critical focus, with ongoing efforts to streamline data flow and optimize decision-making processes.

5. Strategic Vision: Looking ahead, the command envisions a future characterized by live data-driven decision-making processes, minimizing reliance on traditional methods like PowerPoint and maximizing the effectiveness of digital tools in achieving mission objectives.

In this episode of the "Digital Warfighting Series with CENTCOM," co-hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome Colonel Garrett Hogan, callsign "Nails," to discuss technology and innovation in supporting the mission of US Central Command (CENTCOM). Colonel Hogan, with 20 years of experience as an electronic warfare officer, currently serves as the Director of Combat Operations for the Air Component Command inside CENTCOM. 

He explains the role of the Combat Operations Division in organizing and executing air operations, highlighting the importance of leveraging emerging technologies like Digital Falcon to streamline target processing and enhance dynamic targeting capabilities. Through real-world examples and exercises, Colonel Hogan emphasizes the significance of maintaining consistency and muscle memory in digital exercises to adapt rapidly to evolving threats. He underscores the importance of interoperability and collaboration among tech companies to provide tools that work seamlessly together, ultimately strengthening operational capabilities in the digital warfighting domain.
 

Key Takeaways:

1. Leveraging emerging technologies like Digital Falcon streamlines target processing and enhances dynamic targeting capabilities.

2. Maintaining consistency and muscle memory through digital exercises enables rapid adaptation to evolving threats.

3. Interoperability is crucial for operational success, highlighting the need for collaboration among tech companies to provide compatible tools.

4. Providing access to technology and encouraging feedback from operators fosters innovation and improvement in operational effectiveness.

5. Balancing digital exercises with real-world operations requires careful coordination and prioritization to ensure mission success while maintaining operational readiness.

In this episode of the Digital Warfighting Series with CENTCOM, co-hosts Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula are joined by Colonel Molly Solsbury to delve into the digital side of counter UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems). Col. Solsbury, Commander of the 513 Military Intelligence Brigade, shares her journey into the Army, the focus of her unit on the Middle East, and the challenges and strategies in countering UAS threats. They discuss fostering a culture of innovation, the importance of collaboration across warfighting functions, and the impact of real-life events on innovation efforts. Col. Solsbury emphasizes the need for data integration and interoperability among industry partners to accelerate capabilities downrange.

Key Takeaways:

1. Culture of Innovation: Col. Solsbury underscores the significance of empowering operators, analysts, and soldiers to contribute to problem-solving and fostering a culture where solutions are derived from those closest to the problem.

2. Multi-Domain Approach: Counter UAS efforts require a multi-domain approach, necessitating collaboration across different warfighting functions, including intelligence, air defense, and electronic warfare.

3. Speed and Scale Challenge: The evolving threat landscape of UAS attacks demands innovative solutions that can address the speed and scale of the problem effectively.

4. Technical Debt Col. Solsbury highlights the concept of technical debt, emphasizing the need to streamline and modernize existing systems and tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

5. Industry Collaboration Industry partners are encouraged to prioritize data integration and interoperability within their solutions to facilitate seamless integration and maximize operational effectiveness.

In this kickoff episode of the Special Four Part Series, "Digital Warfighting Series with CENTCOM," our Hosts Lauren and Hondo chat with Schuyler Moore, the Chief Technology Officer of Central Command (CENTCOM). Schuyler puts in context the ongoing digital transformation efforts within CENTCOM as a prelude to the four episodes which follow in this special series. 

The series highlights how CENTCOM is driving digital transformation innovations across various echelons of the command.  We hear real-world examples and experiences from those in the command driving this transformation day to day as they apply these new tools and approaches to improve the Command’s operational effectiveness in both the crises of today and those they need to be prepared for in the future.

Key Takeaways:

1. Vision for Digital Transformation: CENTCOM's vision for digital transformation encompasses people, partners, and innovation, emphasizing the need for creative solutions to address complex operational challenges.

2. Real-world Testing and Adaptation: Recent events have served as a real-world test for digital tools and processes, highlighting the importance of adaptability and user feedback in refining capabilities.

3. Echelons of Focus: The series highlights efforts across different echelons, from base defense operations to multinational coordination, providing a comprehensive view of digital initiatives at CENTCOM.

4. Role of Relationships: Success in digital transformation hinges on fostering strong relationships, both within the military and with industry partners, to ensure integration, collaboration, and sustainability.

5. Operational Awareness: Understanding the operational problem set is essential for developing effective solutions, bridging the gap between technical expertise and operational needs.

In this episode of the Building the Base podcast, hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts interview Trae Stephens, the co-founder and chairman of Anduril. Stephens discusses his background in national security, his experience as a venture capitalist, and his vision for the future of the defense industry.

Get a unique perspective on the convergence of technology and national security along with Trae’s path from journalism to venture capital and the genesis of Anduril. He highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the defense industry, emphasizing the need for collaboration between government and tech companies to address evolving threats.

Key Takeaways:

The government needs to pick winners in the defense industry. Stephens argues that the government needs to be more selective in its funding of defense startups. By investing in a small number of companies with high potential, the government can help to create a more competitive and innovative defense market.

1. The government needs to move away from bespoke solutions. Stephens says that the government has been too focused on bespoke solutions, which are expensive and inefficient. He argues that the government should instead focus on investing in commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions, which can provide similar capabilities at a much lower cost.
2. The government needs to do a better job of understanding software. Stephens says that the government has a poor understanding of software and its capabilities. This has led to the government making poor decisions about how to invest in software companies and how to use software in the defense industry.
3. The government needs to be more accountable for its decisions. Stephens argues that the government needs to be more accountable for the decisions it makes about defense spending. He says that the government should be held to the same standards as private sector companies when it comes to making decisions.
4. The future of the defense industry is bright. Stephens believes that the future of the defense industry is bright. He says that the government is making progress in its efforts to reform the defense industry. The defense industry will increasingly rely on commercial off-the-shelf solutions.

In this episode of "Building the Base," hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome Jim Hake, the founder of Spirit of America, a unique nonprofit organization. The podcast delves into Jim's fascinating background as an entrepreneur and the inception of Spirit of America in response to the 9/11 attacks. The conversation explores the organization's role in providing private assistance to support national security objectives and filling gaps that government alone cannot address. Jim shares insights into the evolution of these gaps over two decades and emphasizes the importance of private philanthropy in enhancing national security. The discussion touches on Spirit of America's global impact, focusing on regions like Ukraine, Taiwan, West Africa, and Iraqi Kurdistan. Jim reflects on the challenges of navigating legal frameworks, building trust, and creating a collaborative ecosystem between private citizens and government entities. The episode concludes with a discussion on talent acquisition for nonprofit endeavors and the crucial role of a diverse, values-driven team. Jim also expresses optimism about the growth of entrepreneurial ventures in the national security space.

Key Takeaways:

1. Flexible Mission-Driven Capability: Spirit of America operates as a flexible, mission-driven capability that supports national security objectives through private assistance, emphasizing the relevance of this approach against evolving threats.

2. Filling Gaps in National Security: Jim discusses how the organization fills gaps in national security objectives, highlighting the role of private assistance in areas where government efforts fall short.

3. Nonprofit Impact in Global Relations:  The episode underscores how nonprofits like Spirit of America contribute to building trust, fostering partnerships, and delivering on commitments, thereby positively influencing global perceptions of American values.

4. Talent Acquisition for Nonprofits: Jim emphasizes the importance of hiring the right people for nonprofit endeavors, focusing on values, openness, and a collaborative culture to drive success.

5. Evolving Industrial Base: The podcast touches on the growth of entrepreneurial ventures in the national security space and the need for a diverse network, combining nonprofit and for-profit entities, to effectively address security challenges.

In this episode of "Building the Base," hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome special guest Dana Deasy, former DOD Chief Information Officer with extensive experience in both the private and public service sectors. Dana's distinguished career includes roles as the Global CIO of JP Morgan Chase, CIO at BP, Tyco International, Siemens America, and Rockwell Space Systems. The conversation delves into Dana's journey, from his early career to becoming a global CIO, and his unexpected shift to government service as the DOD CIO.

Key Takeaways:

1. Diverse Career Trajectory: Dana's career path highlights the evolution of technology from the mainframe era to the current digital age. His willingness to take on roles with increasing scale and complexity led him to diverse sectors, including finance, energy, and defense.

2. Patriotism and Public Service: Dana's unexpected entry into government service revealed a latent patriotic streak. His experience at the DOD ignited a passion for serving the country, emphasizing the rewards and challenges of working in the public sector.

3. Challenges in Government Transformation: The discussion outlines the challenges of digital transformation in government, focusing on the protracted budgeting process and the complexities of the acquisition process. Dana highlights the need for a more agile approach and draws parallels with the private sector.

4. COVID-19 and Government Agility: The COVID-19 pandemic served as a litmus test for the government's ability to adapt quickly. Dana shares the remarkable achievement of transitioning over a million DOD personnel to remote work in a short timeframe, showcasing the government's agility in crisis situations.

5. Legacy Systems and Modernization Challenges: Legacy systems remain a significant hurdle in the modernization journey. Dana emphasizes the need to balance the autonomy given to individual units with the imperative to move swiftly, calling attention to the ongoing complexity of legacy issues.

"It's not de-globalization; it's being really thoughtful about which allies and partners to use, and perhaps even 'friend-shoring'...thinking clearly about which allies and partners to use." - Shelly O'Neill Stoneman

In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome Shelly O'Neill Stoneman, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Lockheed Martin. In the discussion, Shelly shares insights on her diverse career journey spanning government, non-profit, and private sectors. Shelly emphasizes Lockheed Martin's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration with startups, highlighting programs like LM Ventures. She discusses the importance of a diverse workforce and her role as the chair of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS). Shelly also delves into the evolving defense industrial base, stressing the need for international partnerships, supply chain resilience, and the integration of technology. She underscores the significance of both established primes and emerging startups in addressing the dynamic challenges of the defense sector.

Key Takeaways:

1. Shelly highlights the importance of creating a mission-driven environment to attract talent to the defense industrial base, emphasizing the broader scope beyond traditional perceptions.
2. The episode emphasizes the need for strong partnerships with allies and international collaboration, as seen in initiatives like AUKUS, to address supply chain challenges and enhance interoperability.
3. Shelly underscores the role of primes like Lockheed Martin in fostering innovation and solving complex problems, challenging the perception that only startups bring innovation to the defense sector.
4. Mentorship is crucial for career development, and Shelly shares her gratitude for mentors who played significant roles in her career, including James Allen Walden and Debbie James.
5. The conversation touches on the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) and the Leadership Council on Women in National Security (LC WINS), highlighting the importance of diversity in the defense sector and the need for mentorship at various career stages.