Tech Transforms

What if we could trust the data flying out of streetlights, drones, and smart thermostats — right from the source? In this episode of Tech Transforms, Randy Clark breaks down the principles of zero trust data and its transformative power for smart cities, IoT, and AI at the edge. Randy shares why protecting data packets (not just networks) is critical for security and innovation—and how it opens up new opportunities for collaboration, compliance, and even battlefield awareness. Tune in for a fascinating conversation on the future of digital trust.

In this special crossover from the Federal Tech Podcast hosted by John Gilroy, I’m excited to share a powerful conversation featuring Tim Fahl, CTO at Owl Cyber Defense. Tim dives into how cross-domain solutions are playing a crucial role in boosting cyber resilience across federal agencies—enabling secure information sharing in even the most sensitive environments.

Guest: Award Winning Author Steve Stratton, Retired Green Beret, Former Secret Service Agent, Cybersecurity Expert, Author of Operation Skipjack

Summary:

From special forces training with partners in the Pacific to disinformation campaigns and environmental sensors used for threat detection, Stratton breaks down how fiction rooted in reality can help decision-makers reframe the future of conflict. It’s a powerful conversation about leadership at the edge, data as a weapon, and the value of multi-domain coordination.

If you’re in national security, tech, or just curious how stories can shape strategy, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways – Operation White Heron Episode

Operate at the Point of Information

Multi-Domain Awareness Requires Unconventional Sensors

Real-Time Data Sharing Is the New Tactical Advantage

Useful Fiction Makes the Tech and Stakes Real

This Is a Continuum, Not a Moment

📘 Read the First Chapters Now — and Be the First to Read the Latest Installment: Operation White Heron

📬 Connect with Steve Stratton

In this episode, Carolyn welcomes back Dave Egts, Field CTO at MuleSoft, to explore the transformative power of AI in 2025. They dive into Dave’s top five AI predictions, with a special focus on the rise of agentic AI—AI that doesn’t just suggest, but acts. Dave explains the difference between generative AI and intelligent agents, why integration via APIs is the key to agent success, and how government agencies can prepare now.

Listeners will learn:

📌 Show Notes:

Guest: Dave Egts, Field CTO at MuleSoft, a Salesforce company

Key Topics:

[00:00] Intro & Dave’s blog: “5 AI Predictions for 2025”

[03:00] What’s an AI agent? Why they’re different from GenAI

[07:30] Real-world examples from Salesforce: Agentforce in action

[14:00] The importance of APIs for agent success

[15:45] Government use cases & security considerations

[18:00] Internal AI agents that reduce toil (meeting schedulers, IT help, expense reports)

[22:00] Cylon references & the power of digital labor in public sector

[29:00] Small Language Models: Why smaller might be better

[36:00] LLM Routers explained

[38:00] Fun Tech Talk Q&A (Superpowers, overhyped trends, sci-fi names)

Resources Mentioned:

What if the next global conflict begins not on the battlefield, but in cyberspace?

In this thrilling episode of Tech Transforms, host Carolyn Ford welcomes author, former Special Forces operator, and intelligence professional Steve Stratton to discuss Operation Skipjack—a useful fiction thriller that feels ripped straight from today’s headlines. This isn’t just a story; it’s a wake-up call.

Set in one of the world's most volatile geopolitical hotspots, Operation Skipjack explores a high-stakes cyber warfare scenario where adversaries leverage stealth technology, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing to disrupt global military operations. While the narrative is fictional, the threats, technologies, and strategic maneuvers are real—many of them already in development or active use.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🚀 The Real-World Tech Behind the Fiction: Every piece of technology in Operation Skipjack—from quantum radar to cross-domain security solutions—is either operational, in prototype, or on the near horizon. Learn how emerging innovations are shaping modern defense strategies.

🕵️ Why “Useful Fiction” Is More Than Just a Story: Unlike traditional fiction, useful fiction blends real-world intelligence, defense strategies, and cutting-edge tech into an engaging narrative. Find out how military leaders and decision-makers use fictionalized scenarios to prepare for real threats.

🌍 The Cyber War That’s Already Happening: Steve Stratton reveals why cyber warfare isn’t a future possibility—it’s a daily battle being fought in the shadows. From state-sponsored hacking to AI-powered cyber attacks, the game has changed, and national security is on the line.

🔒 The Role of Cross-Domain Solutions in Defense: Discover how Owl Cyber Defense’s technology is ensuring secure, real-time data transfers in high-risk military environments—and why this matters in a world of increasing cyber threats.

🎥 If Operation Skipjack Became a Movie: Who would play Admiral Nikki Fury? Steve and Carolyn share their dream cast picks for a blockbuster adaptation of this intense cyber thriller.

Exclusive Access to Operation Skipjack

🔗 Get exclusive early access to the full chapter! Sign up at owlcyberdefense.com/operationskipjack/ to receive your copy as soon as it’s released.

📢 Stay Connected:

Follow Owl Cyber Defense on LinkedIn for updates.

Final Thought:

🎧 Listen now and stay ahead of the cyber threats shaping tomorrow’s battles.

🔒 How do we secure software in an era of open-source dominance and AI-driven threats?

On this episode of Tech Transforms, Scott Orton and Mike Mehlberg join Carolyn Ford to explore the future of secure software development. They tackle:

✅ The Power of SBOMs – Why software transparency is a game-changer (and why some companies still resist it)

They also discuss real-world security threats, including a recent open-source software attack that nearly went undetected. Plus, Scott shares his vision for AI inspired by non-human intelligence (think squids and insects! 🦑).

🔹 If you're in software development, cybersecurity, or tech leadership, this episode is a must-listen!

📲 Connect with Scott and Mike on LinkedIn for more insights.

🎧 Listen now and stay ahead in the world of secure software and cyber defense!

💡 Is blockchain just for crypto bros, or is it the future of financial security?

In this episode, Carolyn Ford welcomes Don Spies, CEO of Outrider Analytics, to unravel the complexities of blockchain intelligence. They discuss how digital assets are transforming crime fighting and how law enforcement agencies use blockchain analysis to track illicit activity—from fraud and ransomware to cyber warfare and terrorist financing.

Pop culture meets cybersecurity as Don speculates how blockchain could change classic crime stories like Ocean’s 11 and shares his vision for a blockchain-themed thriller (Encrypted Justice, anyone?).

Key Topics Covered:

Listen now to discover how blockchain is reshaping global security!

🔗 Learn more about Don Spies and Outrider Analytics

Explore the transformative potential of AI in this compelling conversation with retired Lieutenant General Michael Groen, former director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC). General Groen discusses how AI is reshaping industries, national security, and human potential. He delves into the challenges of fostering innovation in large organizations, the necessity of cultural shifts, and the critical role of leadership in navigating this technological revolution. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast, a tech skeptic, or just curious about the future, this episode will inspire you to imagine the possibilities.

How do we empower warfighters with real-time, secure communication in the most challenging operational environments? In this episode of Tech Transforms, Carolyn sits down with Dan O'Donohue, VP of Secure Communications at Owl Cyber Defense and retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General, to explore the cutting-edge of tactical network technologies. With firsthand experience leading Marine Forces Cyber and Joint Force Development, Dan discusses the evolution of secure data exchange, the integration of AI, and the significance of adaptability in disrupted environments.

Discover how secure communication networks drive operational success, how cross-domain solutions enhance coalition interoperability, and why a modernized, data-driven military is essential in today’s battlespace. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a leader seeking insights on the future of tactical networks, this episode will transform the way you think about secure communications.

Tune in for expert perspectives and actionable takeaways from one of the foremost leaders in the field.

In this episode of Tech Transforms, Tracy Bannon, a software architect and researcher at MITRE, dives into the exciting potential and challenges of using generative AI in the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). Tracy explores how AI can revolutionize workflows, enhance testing, and even act as a collaborative team member. From addressing human trust issues with AI to building decision-making tools, Tracy shares her journey in navigating the evolving role of generative AI. Tune in for actionable insights and learn how careful integration of AI can unlock innovation while maintaining security and trust.

Key Topics Covered:

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