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From Fighter Jets to Quantum Code: The Journey of Pete “Shadow” Ford
From flying F-15s and dodging shadows over Egypt to pioneering post-quantum encryption, Pete “Shadow” Ford’s career is a masterclass in adaptability, critical thinking, and the power of asking the right questions. In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Ford to explore the intersections of high-performance aviation, national defense, and cutting-edge technology. With stories ranging from gripping aerial combat exercises to his role as a translator between technologists and warfighters, Ford shares hard-earned insights from both the skies and the lab.
The episode dives deep into the world of experimental aircraft, life at the Air Force Academy, the role of camaraderie in elite defense units, and Ford’s transition into advanced technological domains such as microelectronics and quantum encryption. His unique vantage point—blending the experience of a pilot with the curiosity of a technologist—offers a rare look at how innovation and defense truly converge.
Pete’s solution to bridging critical gaps between scientists, policymakers, and warfighters is simple but powerful: humility, credibility, and approachability. By asking the right questions and engaging deeply with both the tactical and technical, Ford champions a new model for national security innovation.
- [00:30] How Pete “Shadow” Ford flew into the studio—literally—in his experimental four-seat aircraft.
- [06:56] Why Ford chose the Air Force Academy and how glider flying changed his life trajectory.
- [17:52] The story behind his legendary call sign "Shadow" and the MiG-21 shadow that nearly ended it all.
- [31:56] The difference between Air Force Weapons School and Navy Top Gun—and what it really means to be a graduate.
- [36:34] Bridging the gap between technologists and warfighters: what Ford learned at Lawrence Livermore National Lab.
- [54:44] How quantum computing and post-quantum encryption are reshaping the defense landscape.
- Daniel Marrujo on LinkedIn
- Pete Ford on LinkedIn
- TSS Website
Learn more about TSS: https://tss.llc/micro-journeys-podcast/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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By Trusted Strategic SolutionsFrom flying F-15s and dodging shadows over Egypt to pioneering post-quantum encryption, Pete “Shadow” Ford’s career is a masterclass in adaptability, critical thinking, and the power of asking the right questions. In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Ford to explore the intersections of high-performance aviation, national defense, and cutting-edge technology. With stories ranging from gripping aerial combat exercises to his role as a translator between technologists and warfighters, Ford shares hard-earned insights from both the skies and the lab.
The episode dives deep into the world of experimental aircraft, life at the Air Force Academy, the role of camaraderie in elite defense units, and Ford’s transition into advanced technological domains such as microelectronics and quantum encryption. His unique vantage point—blending the experience of a pilot with the curiosity of a technologist—offers a rare look at how innovation and defense truly converge.
Pete’s solution to bridging critical gaps between scientists, policymakers, and warfighters is simple but powerful: humility, credibility, and approachability. By asking the right questions and engaging deeply with both the tactical and technical, Ford champions a new model for national security innovation.
- [00:30] How Pete “Shadow” Ford flew into the studio—literally—in his experimental four-seat aircraft.
- [06:56] Why Ford chose the Air Force Academy and how glider flying changed his life trajectory.
- [17:52] The story behind his legendary call sign "Shadow" and the MiG-21 shadow that nearly ended it all.
- [31:56] The difference between Air Force Weapons School and Navy Top Gun—and what it really means to be a graduate.
- [36:34] Bridging the gap between technologists and warfighters: what Ford learned at Lawrence Livermore National Lab.
- [54:44] How quantum computing and post-quantum encryption are reshaping the defense landscape.
- Daniel Marrujo on LinkedIn
- Pete Ford on LinkedIn
- TSS Website
Learn more about TSS: https://tss.llc/micro-journeys-podcast/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.