Defense Mavericks

What does it take to build a thriving startup in defense technology?

In the world of startups, chaos is constant. But in the defense sector? It’s chaos with billion-dollar stakes.

In this week’s episode of Defense Mavericks, Matthew Steckman, Chief Revenue Officer at Anduril Industries, reveals how defense startups like theirs survive and thrive. From predicting government demands to integrating cutting-edge technology like generative AI, success isn’t just about innovation–it’s about grit.

Matthew breaks down what makes defense startups unique and reveals the three critical factors for staying ahead in this fiercely competitive space.

You’ll also learn why modeling and simulation are indispensable for testing emerging technologies at scale and how the future depends on the velocity of integrating and replacing system components.

Ready to hear how startups are reshaping the future of defense?

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:14) The realities of startup life in defense

(04:45) Capital allocation and risk in defense startups

(06:32) 3 key factors for defense tech success

(10:42) Overcoming challenges in defense tech startups

(12:38) Generative AI’s role in defense innovation

(16:36) Modeling and simulation for battlefield readiness

(19:57) Solving the system-level problem of kill chain integration

(23:29) Why grit matters more than qualifications in hiring

(28:40) Advice for aspiring defense startup founders

(31:51) Acquisition advice for small companies

(33:05) How Anduril drives competition in defense

Additional Resources:

👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/

👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/

👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericks

Connect with today’s guest:

💥Follow Matthew Steckman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-steckman-4a23a8b0/

💥Visit Anduril Industries for more information: https://www.anduril.com/

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Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds.

Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Are rigid acquisition processes slowing down your innovative solutions? Tradewinds is here to change that.

This week on Defense Mavericks, I’m joined by Stephanie Wilson, Kristina Botelho, and Tony Kwag at this year’s NCMA Conference to explore how Tradewinds is revolutionizing AI and digital solution procurement for government agencies. 

With flexible contracting options and open, candid collaboration, Tradewinds is simplifying the path for both vendors and buyers.

Learn how a TRL-agnostic approach and pitch videos are opening the door for small businesses and experimental technologies. We also tackle the challenges and successes of modernizing acquisition processes–from ATO reciprocity to rapid contract awards.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation and find out how Tradewinds can help your organization innovate faster.

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:12) What is Tradewinds?

(07:20) Submission process and pitch-video specifics

(13:43) Key performance indicators and metrics for success

(17:20) Traditional vs. non-traditional acquisition pathways

(21:48) From prototype to production contracts

(24:58) Challenges of low TRL technologies

(31:24) Managing video libraries and differentiating solutions

(36:32) Government engagement and educational efforts

(44:29) The benefits of relational contracting

(51:59) Exploring different contract types

(56:06) Addressing misconceptions and expanding adoption across agencies

(01:04:14) OT vs. FAR-base contracts 

(01:08:40) Tradewinds program nuances for international sellers and buyers and non-DoD

(01:13:17) Final thoughts

Additional Resources:

👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/

👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/

👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericks

Connect with today’s guests:

💥Follow Stephanie Wilson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-wilson-790902237/

💥Follow Kristina Botelho on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-botelho/

💥Follow Tony Kwag on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonykwag/

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Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds.

Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Did you know the right network could be the DoD’s most powerful tool?

In this week’s episode of Defense Mavericks, we’re joined by Jesse Levin, Executive Director of the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum (DEF); Jay Long, COO and Founder of Parlay; and Brad Halsey, CEO of Building Momentum.

These innovators dive into the importance of leveraging networks–both formal and informal–as a strategic advantage in military and entrepreneurial spheres.

We explore how networks have become a weapon system both in national security and business. Plus, we dive into the evolution of military strategies, the power of human capital, and the role of decentralized decision-making.

Tune in now to learn how to turn your network into a weapon!

Key Takeaways:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:38) Why networking is crucial for success

(05:28) Challenges in building effective networks

(09:33) Network building is teachable

(14:50) Leveraging talent for national innovation

(21:39) The Power of Trap Capacity explained

(22:57) Breaking military talent stereotypes

(29:39) Tackling dual-use technology challenges

(35:40) Embracing the military’s entrepreneurial spirit

Additional Resources:

👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/

👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/

👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericks

Connect with today’s guests:

💥Follow Jay Long on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayllong/

💥Follow Jesse Levin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-levin/

💥Follow Brad Halsey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-halsey-74109933/

— 

Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds.

Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!

DISCLAIMER: The views reflected are not a representation of an official position of the Department of Defense.

Imagine a Marine stranded on an island, needing a critical part to continue their mission. What if that essential part could be produced on the spot?

In this week’s episode of Defense Mavericks, we sit down with Matt Pine, Innovation Officer for the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune, to explore how additive manufacturing (AM) is revolutionizing military logistics.

Matt shares how point-of-need production cut supply chain delays in half, illustrated by a groundbreaking success story aboard the USS Somerset.

We also discuss the challenges of integrating AM into military systems, how these innovations offer significant cost savings and faster part delivery, and more.

Tune in now to learn how AM is shaping the future of defense logistics.

Key Takeaways:

(00:00) Introduction 

(00:59) Meet Matt Pine and his experience in the Marine Corps

(02:28) The Blue List for drones

(03:13) Benchy’s role in 3D printing

(06:39) A success story on additive manufacturing (AM) deployment

(08:57) Importance of tech data for AM adoption

(10:22) Are AM innovations cost-effective?

(13:57) What does the future look like for AM?

(15:53) Future vision for military AM integration

(19:47) Episode wrap-up

Additional Resources:

👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/

👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/

👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericks

Connect with Matt:

💥Follow Matt on Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-pine-123755b8/

💥Check out the official website of the Marines for more information here

— 

Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds.

Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!

DISCLAIMER: The views reflected are not a representation of an official position of the Marine Corps, Navy, or the Department of Defense.

With deepfakes and misinformation on the rise, distinguishing truth from lies has never been more challenging.

A recent Harvard paper stated how generative AI, like ChatGPT, is increasingly showing up in academic journals, archives, and repositories. So, how can we fight back against this growing misinformation crisis?

This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Nathan Manzotti, Managing Director of Data Analytics and AI Centers of Excellence at GSA, to explore groundbreaking ideas for combating misinformation using blockchain and AI.

Learn how an AI training program is empowering thousands and how a government-wide AI model repository could transform federal efficiency.

If you’re passionate about the future of technology, truth, and public service, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

(00:00) Introduction 

(00:59) Meet Nathan Manzotti and his journey into AI

(04:14) The rise of deepfakes and the misinformation crisis

(06:08) How to combat deepfakes with blockchain technology

(10:12) The role of personal passion in driving government innovation

(15:21) Expansion of AI training program across the federal workforce

(19:18) Building collaborative community platforms for progress

(24:22) GSA’s fee-of-service consulting model

(29:58) Nate’s vision for a government-backed model repository 

Additional Resources:

👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/

👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/

👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericks

Connect with Nathan Manzotti 

🔹Follow Nathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanmanzotti/

🔹Harvard’s publication on GPT-fabricated papers: https://misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu/article/gpt-fabricated-scientific-papers-on-google-scholar-key-features-spread-and-implications-for-preempting-evidence-manipulation/

🔹Visit Harvard’s Misinformation Review for more information: https://misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu/

— 

Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds.

Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Can AI help you bid on more government contracts?

In this week’s episode, Ryan Connell sits down with Alex Cohen, an AI expert and founder of GovPro AI.

Alex is on a mission to help small and medium-sized contractors streamline their proposal process. He walks us through how AI tools are transforming how proposals are submitted–making them faster and more compliant. However, Alex is clear about the limitations of AI, too.

If you’re ready to level up your proposal strategy without cutting corners, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

(00:00) Introduction 

(00:49) Meet Alex Cohen and his career journey

(03:21) How Alex started using AI in proposal writing

(07:11) AI’s role in drafting proposals 

(08:54) Success rates for AI-generated proposals

(10:45) The limitations of AI in GovCon

(21:19) Predictions for increased AI adoption in GovCon

(23:21) The untapped potential of voice-interactive AI

(28:49) Challenges of integrating secure AI solutions

(32:11) Why human oversight is still necessary

(34:55) Alex’s thoughts on AI-assisted oral presentations

Additional Resources:

👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/

👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/

👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericks

Connect with Alex

🔹Follow Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akcohen/

🔹Visit GovPro AI for more information: https://govpro.ai/

— 

Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds.

Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!

This week, Ryan Connell is joined by Keith Scheffler from Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to discuss the role that blockchain plays in their manufacturing division. Keith dives into the evolution and broader applications of blockchain technology beyond cryptocurrency, AFRL's approach to addressing technology gaps, the integration of digital tools in modern manufacturing, and the critical interplay of cybersecurity and the supply chain. He also shares insights into the complexities of the defense industrial base and the innovative use of graph theory to predict industry trends and interconnections. Tune in to learn all about how blockchain is transforming the defense industrial base.

TIMESTAMPS:

(1:20) AFRL's Role in Manufacturing

(3:22) How blockchain plays a role in manufacturing

(6:20) Blockchain beyond crypto

(8:54) How blockchain ensures data integrity and security in manufacturing

(13:33) Importance of cybersecurity in defense manufacturing

(17:34) Commodity parts in the defense industry and supply chain considerations

(24:19) Scaling advanced manufacturing across the DoD

(26:48) How to embrace innovation and break from traditional approaches

LINKS:

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

Follow Keith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-scheffler-a2823920/

AFRL: https://www.afrl.af.mil/

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

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

This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Therman Trotman, a.k.a. "Mr. SharePoint," to talk about the powerful ways SharePoint can transform workflows and enhance team efficiency. Therman shares his journey from the Bronx to becoming an expert in SharePoint, diving into his unique take on branding, confidence, and overcoming imposter syndrome. He breaks down practical ways to leverage SharePoint’s full capabilities, discusses the importance of people-first technology, and gives his insights into building a successful career in tech, including how he started SharePoint Helpdesk. Tune in to this fun conversation on SharePoint and self-branding success.

TIMESTAMPS:

(1:09) Therman’s journey to “Mr. SharePoint”

(3:12) Building a personal brand

(6:13) Overcoming imposter syndrome

(9:49) What SharePoint can do today for DoD

(15:04) The power of automation

(17:24) Therman’s “CMD” framework

(20:41) Creating internal sites

(22:51) Making data-driven decisions

(28:49) Therman’s favorite success story

(29:07) Advice on confidence & branding

LINKS:

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

Follow Therman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therman-trotman-15790b33/

SharePoint Helpdesk: https://thesphelpdesk.com/

Freebie: https://sharepointfreebie.com/

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

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

This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Scott Sanders, Chief Growth Officer of Forterra, to talk about the advancements and challenges of integrating autonomous systems in defense and industrial sectors. Scott shares his insights on the deployment of full stack and ground autonomy, balancing human and machine roles, and accounting for the diverse terrains of war zones. He also dives into the financial feasibility and operational reliability of autonomous solutions, the nuances of defense acquisitions in this space, and the importance of balancing cost, safety, and efficiency in both military and industrial applications. Tune in to learn all about the future of autonomy in defense.

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:43) Scott’s journey from Marine Corps to Forterra

(1:25) What is full end-to-end autonomy?

(3:52) How to ensure reliability and safety in autonomous systems

(7:17) Balancing hardware and software in autonomy

(11:37) Pricing strategies for DoD vs. commercial markets

(16:31) The future of autonomy and human roles

(19:10) How to manage risk in autonomous system

(23:51) What are the acquisition strategies in this space?

(28:02) Tip for navigating defense acquisition as a small business

LINKS:

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

Follow Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbsanders/

Forterra: https://www.forterra.com/

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

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

This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Lori Wade, Chief Data Officer for the Intelligence Community, to talk about the pivotal role of quality data in driving AI and emerging technologies in the IC. Lori shares her insights on data interoperability, public-private collaboration, and the complexities of managing data across the 18 Intelligence Community elements. She also shares her journey implementing the IC Data Strategy, preparing the workforce, and achieving data readiness by 2025. Tune in for a deep dive on the challenges and opportunities the Intelligence Community faces when it comes to data and emerging tech.

TIMESTAMPS:

(1:03) Meet Lori Wade

(4:25) Key challenges in data management

(8:28) How to use Smart Data Questions

(12:31) What is the role of the Chief Data Officer?

(16:33) How AI plays a role in the digital c-suite

(18:51) Managing data reference architecture and quality

(20:47) Why mission reliance is on data

(23:26) Creating end-to-end data management plans

(29:19) What does the future of data in the IC look like?

LINKS:

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

Follow Lori: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-wade-212551221/

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

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