Defense Mavericks

This week, Ryan Connell sits down with the legendary Steve Blank, adjunct professor at Stanford and co-founder of the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, to discuss the need for disruptive innovation and execution in the DoD. Steve shares his insights on the importance of adopting new methodologies, creating a culture that supports rapid innovation, and challenging the frozen middle. We also learn all about Steve’s experience co-founding Hacking for Defense, the Lean Startup Methodology, and the Gordian Knot Center. Tune in for an inspiring and honest conversation on the reality behind defense innovation.

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:47) Steve’s entrepreneurial journey

(1:30) What is Hacking for Defense?

(3:37) Why we need to balance execution and innovation

(5:30) The SpaceX case study

(8:44) The state of innovation in the DoD

(11:05) Why tech adoption is so difficult

(15:45) The key to fast-tracking disruption in acquisitions

(19:13) The problem with most senior leaders

(26:31) The Lean Startup Methodology

(33:20) Steve’s definition of “innovation”

(35:05) The purpose behind the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation

LINKS:

Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

Follow Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveblank/

Gordian Knot Center: https://gordianknot.stanford.edu/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Alex Martin, the CEO and co-founder of Clearspeed, to discuss how they are using AI-enabled voice analytics to revolutionize risk assessment in defense. Alex shares his personal journey from the Marine Corps to tech entrepreneur and how he’s aiming to solve the age-old problem of vetting individuals efficiently and at scale. He elaborates on the challenges of building a technology company in the defense and enterprise sectors, emphasizing the importance of trust, speed, and the human element in AI applications. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on startup success and the future of risk assessment.

TIMESTAMPS:

(1:09) Meet Alex Martin

(2:22) Why Clearspeed was born out of tragedy

(5:44) How to scale risk assessment

(9:57) Productizing a defense engine for enterprise

(12:28) How to find pockets of people with imagination

(15:27) Is this an invasion of privacy?

(19:02) How to balance speed and security

(21:47) Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

(25:42) How to build a passionate team

(30:50) Creating a purpose-driven culture

(37:37) Why imagination is critical in VC

LINKS:

Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

Follow Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandersmartin/

Clearspeed: https://www.clearspeed.com/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan Connell chats with Jonathan Mostowski, author, public speaker, and president of Agile Acquisitions LLC, about the truth behind “hacking” bureaucracy in government contracting, the development and impact of agile acquisition frameworks, and his career journey from a contracting officer to an innovative leader in the field. Jonathan shares his insights into creating culture change through contracting, the importance of understanding rules and strategic risk-taking, and his experiences authoring the TechFAR handbook. Tune in for a refreshing conversation on how to look at the defense procurement process with different eyes.

TIMESTAMPS:

(1:19) Meet Jonathan

(3:18) What is a Scaled Agile Framework?

(4:08) How Jonathan created the TechFAR Handbook

(7:49) The biggest challenge contractors face

(10:40) Why Jonathan doesn’t “hack” bureaucracy

(13:35) Culture change needed in contracting

(15:01) Jonathan’s writing process

(18:55) What would you change if you were king for a day?

(22:09) Why reward systems are key to success

(26:26) Are SBIRs sustainable?

(32:02) The reality behind the Valley of Death

LINKS:

Follow Ryan: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/⁠

Follow Jonathan: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmost/

Leading Agile Acquisitions Book: https://www.agileacquisitions.com/product-page/leading-agile-acquisitions

TechFAR Hub: https://techfarhub.usds.gov/

CDAO: ⁠https://www.ai.mil/⁠

Tradewinds: ⁠https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Dr. Tom Rondeau, Principal Director of FutureG, to discuss the complexities and innovations behind wireless communications, from the defense applications of 5G to the groundbreaking potential of 6G. Tom shares his insights on the role of AI in wireless technology, the importance and challenges of interoperability within NATO, and the potential of open-source platforms in driving wireless innovation. Tune in to this eye-opening conversation on the seemingly “invisible” role this technology plays in the world of defense and beyond.

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:52) Meet Dr. Tom Rondeau

(1:36) What is 6G?

(2:23) The ins and outs of 5G technology

(5:54) How 5G plays a role in military and national security

(8:05) The importance of interoperability

(13:22) Cybersecurity in wireless communications

(16:01) AI and the future of 5G

(23:45) The potential of open source and open RAN

(30:09) Why this technology is critical to our everyday lives

LINKS:

Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

Follow Dr. Tom Rondeau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasrondeau/

FutureG: https://rt.cto.mil/futureg-home/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan Connell discusses entrepreneurial approaches to problem-solving in defense with Pete Newell, 32-year Army veteran turned entrepreneur, educator, investor, and co-founder and CEO of BMNT. Pete dives into the inception and impact of the Hacking for Defense program and shares his insights on the importance of rapid adaptation and how ingenuity can drive mission acceleration in both government and commercial sectors. Tune in for an in-depth lesson on what it takes to win on the battlefield.

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:35) Meet Pete Newell

(1:37) The evolution of Hacking for Defense

(3:53) Problems are like fish bait in Silicon Valley

(9:41) Building interdisciplinary teams

(14:39) The difference between innovation and ingenuity

(18:28) Important takeaways from Ukraine battlefield

(20:48) Acquisitions are not the problem

(32:38) How to professionalize the building of people

LINKS:

Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

Follow Pete: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewell/

BMNT: https://www.bmnt.com/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan Connell is joined by John Janek, Chief Technologist at Dev Technology Group, to talk about the critical elements of rapid acquisitions and agile budgeting in government. John shares his insights on the evolving role of technology in hiring and organizational improvements, the importance of community, the need for cross-functional collaboration, and why transparency is the ultimate value stream. Tune in for practical advice on fostering community, leveraging technology, and the impactful shift of dynamic team building.

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:30) Who is John Janek

(1:39) The importance of community in government

(6:32) The secret to rapid acquisition

(9:06) How technology plays a role in problem-solving

(13:18) What is systems thinking?

(17:58) Will we ever achieve agile budgeting in government?

(20:48) Transparency is the ultimate disinfectant

(31:25) The power of sitting next to someone in meetings

LINKS:

Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

Follow John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjanek/

Dev Technology: https://devtechnology.com/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Steve Barva, federal acquisition consultant, to discuss the importance of breaking rules and cutting through red tape in the DoD. Steve shares his insights on competition in contracting, innovative solicitation practices, and the value of listening to fresh ideas from junior team members. He dives into numerous examples and insights on how to challenge norms and implement meaningful changes in acquisition practices. Tune in to this inspiring episode on how to affect change in the DoD.

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:29) Why every rule is meant to be broken

(2:29) Finding innovative contracting solutions

(3:51) How to overcome bureaucratic hurdles

(6:02) Why leaders become risk averse over the years

(10:40) Encouraging innovation in younger generations of procurement analysts

(15:45) Are you gold-plating your requirements?

(20:04) Why is it so hard to break the norm?

(23:55) Leaders need to allow their teams to break the rules

(28:12) If you’re not disrupting, you’re not trying

LINKS:

Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

Follow Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-b-14459860/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan Connell is joined by Russ Long, founder and CEO of Long Capture, to talk about the different pathways to success a defense startup can take in the DoD. Russ shares his journey from his former Air Force contracting days to now helping tech startups bridge the gap to military adoption (a.k.a. surviving the Valley of Death.) They dive deep into the importance of impactful innovation, the evolving role of programs like SBIR, and how strategic and tactical financing are driving the second wave of defense innovation. Tune in to learn all about how to drive innovation in the defense acquisition process.

TIMESTAMPS:

(1:55) What is “cool” technology?

(2:55) The Benefits of SBIR and CSO Programs

(5:47) How TACFI and STRATFI programs work

(11:03) Do you have to be a commercial-first company to survive in DoD?

(14:46) What is the second wave of defense Innovation?

(19:49) Why sole source authority is critical

(26:47) What Russ looks for in a startup

(30:20) Free ways to learn from Long Capture

LINKS:

Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

Follow Russ: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-long/

Long Capture: https://longcapture.com/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan Connell is joined by Dr. W. Ethan Eagle and Lieutenant Colonel Julie “Pistol” Janson to discuss the transformative impact of Project Mercury on military innovation. Together, they dive into Project Mercury’s goal of building a culture of innovation, the strategic focus on problem-solving, and the importance of learning by doing. Ethan also shares his vision for the future of the program and how members of the DoD can get involved. Tune in for an insightful conversation on cultivating an innovative mindset in defense.

TIMESTAMPS:

(2:30) How did Project Mercury get started?

(5:33) How to encourage risk-taking in innovation

(7:15) Why an innovative mindset is like a muscle

(12:48) The core differentiator between project management and innovation

(14:50) Success stories for Project Mercury

(18:43) The true benefit behind joining the program

(24:47) Mentoring students in problem-solving

(28:16) Why democratizing innovation is the goal

(35:44) Who can join Project Mercury

(43:42) Success and failure in teamwork

This week, Ryan is joined by Mike McGinley, director of GigEagle, mobilization assistant to the commander of the Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, and federal account executive at Google, to talk all things talent in the DoD. Mike shares his insights on the flexibility of reservists' service, the operational impact of overcoming bureaucracy and policy hurdles, and the revolutionary approach to integrating AI in talent acquisition. Tune in to this inspiring conversation on national collaboration and agility in the defense community.

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:46) Mike’s dual journey career

(4:01) What is an agile talent ecosystem?

(10:56) How to cut through red tape

(15:53) Mike’s “aha” moment in an Uber

(19:28) How fast is too fast to scale?

(21:45) Why user feedback is critical for growth

(26:04) The future of a whole-of-nation talent marketplace

(32:58) Why we need to encourage creativity and teamwork in defense

LINKS:

Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

Follow Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmcginley2/

GigEagle: https://gigeagle.mil/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/