The Pair Program

From Silicon Valley to Pentagon: The Intersection of VC and Dual-Use Tech | The Pair Program Ep32

In this episode, we hear from startup founder and venture capital partner: Topher Haddad and Michael Brown. They delve into a key area of innovation in the defense space: dual-use startups. These startups straddle between the commercial space and the federal sector. And they’re making waves in the federal defense sector.

Get an inside look into the inner workings of VC–founder relations, including how they work together and what they’re looking for in the partnership.

About the guests:

Topher Haddad is the co-founder and CEO of Albedo, building a new platform for Earth Observation in very low earth orbit (VLEO). Albedo’s satellites will co-collect optical and thermal infrared imagery at the highest resolution commercially available, serving markets in agriculture, utilities, mapping, insurance, and defense. Topher previously worked as an engineer at Lockheed Martin on national security satellites.

Michael Brown is a partner at Shield Capital (a venture fund focused on defense technology—AI, cyber, space and autonomy) as well as a visiting scholar at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. Michael is the former Director of the Defense Innovation Unit for the U.S. Department of Defense where he worked for 7 years. Prior to that he was the CEO of Symantec, at the time the cybersecurity industry leader and before that CEO of Quantum, a computer storage maker.

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Frontiers: Exploring the World of Data | Revolutionizing Sports Betting Through Analytics

In this episode our guest host, Jazmin Furtado, speaks with Brian Beachkofski about his work with Rithmm, a company that provides predictive analytics for sports betting.

Brian shares about…

• How he got into this industry.
• How his team applies data and analytics to change the sports betting playing field.
• How they’ve tackled common industry problems, from handling proprietary data to maintaining a competitive advantage.
• The future of the field, including advice for people who are interested in entering the space.
• And much more!

About today’s host: Jazmin Furtado has been a part of the software innovation realm for the Department of Defense where she has overseen large-scale Data and Artificial Intelligence programs in the Air Force and Space Force. She has also held various leadership and advisory roles with organizations such as Google, SpaceX, and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she designed and scaled AI, data, and education and training programs.

About today’s guest: ...

About the series: Our new series, “Frontiers: Exploring the World of Data”, dives into how people are using their data science minds to shape organizations and change the landscape outside of “Big Tech”. In each episode, we explore the far-reaching corners of the world of data. If you're curious about how data-minded individuals are making a difference in interesting, impactful and creative ways, then tune in!

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From Bureaucracy to Breakthroughs: Changing the Face of Government Technology | The Pair Program Ep31

Interested in a career in govtech?

In this episode, we hear from Alissa Bookwalter and Bryon Kroger – two professionals who have made a huge impact in modernizing the federal space.

They discuss:

• The traits that they look for in employees who want to join the govtech space
• What it takes to truly bring modernization into the federal space
• Common misconceptions about working in the government space
• How they’ve successfully “hacked bureaucracy”

And much more!

About the guests:

Alissa Bookwalter currently serves as the Chief Talent Officer at the Griffiss Institute (GI), where her work seeks to impact and inspire the federal government’s next generation of technical talent. Prior to the GI, Alissa served as a Chief of Staff at Kessel Run, Deputy Director of Talent Management at the United States Digital Service, and supported military health programs for over 10 years.

Bryon Kroger is Founder and CEO of Rise8. Before that, he spent seven years as a targeteer using terrible software, which led him to cross-train to acquisitions and spend his first year building a transformation at AFLCMC, ultimately becoming one of three co-founders of Kessel Run. Bryon served as Kessel Run COO for two years, leading acquisitions, development, and operations for the enterprise-scale software lab that defined DoD DevSecOps. There he pioneered the first cATO alongside many other DoD "firsts". Bryon later launched Rise8 in 2019 to help change agents overcome bureaucracy and transform the way they build and deploy software to create outcomes in prod. He has built several cATOs from the ground up on both sides of the aisle and is a leading expert on the topic, as well as defense digital transformation and bureaucracy hacking more generally. 

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Ever wondered how to step into the world of Product Management? Curious about what the role entails?

Today’s guest host, Becca Moran, speaks with Rachel Rush about how she stepped into a career in Product.

They discuss:

• How Rachel overcame imposter syndrome and learned on the job
• Her experience of growing along with a startup (including acquisitions and going public)
• What the role of product manager entails and what it takes to succeed
• Practical tips on how to step into a product role
• And much more!

About today’s host: With 5+ years of experience leading startup product teams and almost 10 years in the DC tech scene, Becca offers a wealth of valuable insights. She is currently the Vice President, Product & Engagement at Procurated, where she leads the product, design, and engineering functions for the company

About today’s guest: Rachel Rush, Senior Product Manager at Xometry Inc working to make the sourcing of custom manufacturing easy. Based in the Washington DC area, she has worked in product management for five years. After trying a couple of different careers she settled into Product Management when she realized she would be empowered to solve problems, making a change in how people live and work. She believes that Product Managers are the voice of the user and are responsible for building the bridge between end users and top executives. This puts PMs in the unique position to challenge conventional thinking by demonstrating alternative workflows to overcome obstacles that users face every day.

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From Garage to Acquisition: Tales from Two Multi-Venture Entrepreneurs | The Pair Program Ep30

Curious what it takes to be a startup founder?

In this episode, we hear from Ryan Rowe and Adam Meghji – successful entrepreneurs who have each spun out multiple successful startups.

They discuss:

• Their journeys into entrepreneurship.
• The challenges they faced as they took their startups from 0 to 1.
• Things that were a great success (and things that went wrong).
• The process of finding co-founders.
• How to know when its time to make an exit.

And much more!

About our guests:

Ryan Rowe is the CTO and Co-Founder of Archive. A three-time founder, he has over a decade of experience designing and developing innovative technology. Ryan began his career as a product designer, where he became obsessed with creating the best user experiences. After his first company was acquired by Palantir, he launched several new product initiatives for the renowned technology company. Since founding Archive, he is committed to building the best technology and UX experiences for fashion resale.

Adam Meghji is a seasoned CTO and technology executive, hiphop DJ, and father of two. He's helped launch and scale several startups from inception to exit, including his past venture Universe which sold to Ticketmaster / Live Nation in 2015. Currently, Adam is Co-founder & CTO at Peggy, the premier marketplace for buying and selling investment grade art, secured by AI artwork authentication.

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Frontiers: Exploring the World of Data | The Land of Limited Resources

“Frontiers: Exploring the World of Data” dives into how people are using their data science minds to shape organizations and change the landscape outside of “Big Tech”. In each episode, we explore the far-reaching corners of the world of data. So if you're curious about how data-minded individuals are making a difference in interesting, impactful and creative ways, then tune in!

The Tech Mentor’s Playbook: Traits of Impactful Startup Mentors Unveiled | The Pair Program Ep29

In this episode, we delve into the world of startup technologists and the essential role that tech mentors play for these individuals.

Hear from seasoned tech mentors, Efe Ogolo and Greg Vincent, as they explore the key characteristics that define exceptional tech mentors.

They discuss:

• The challenges that tech professionals face at startups
• The traits of successful startup leaders
• How teams can establish mentorship programs at early stage startups
• Stories of successful mentors

And much more!

How We Hatched: Greg Gershman, CEO of Ad Hoc

Welcome to our most recent episode of “How We Hatched"! In this episode, you’ll hear from a recognized leader in government technology and digital services, Greg Gershman.

Since founding Ad Hoc in 2014, Greg has led his team in growing from a startup to an organization of 600 people working in support of critical government digital services at the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and other government agencies. Greg’s leadership and vision has helped transform how government approaches serving the public through technology.

In this episode, he shares about:

• The story behind how Ad Hoc got started
• His personal journey into becoming a founder
• How his team at Ad Hoc is modernizing the federal space through web and mobile innovation

The Art of Calibrated Chaos: Balancing Disorder and Strategy in Startups | The Pair Program Ep28

Join us for a conversation with two remarkable startup entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated the tumultuous world of startups and managed to bring order to the chaos. Our guests, Molly Hill Patten and Christian Duffus, share their inspiring stories and invaluable insights into how they’ve turned startups from a whirlwind of uncertainty into well-structured and thriving businesses.

Philanthropy

• Greyhound Welfare - https://greyhoundwelfare.org/
• New Literacy Project - https://newslit.org/
• Rock Creek Conservancy - https://www.rockcreekconservancy.org/

How We Hatched: Kelcey Reed, CTO of Opportunity@Work

Welcome to our most recent episode of “How We Hatched"! In this episode, you’ll hear from the CTO of Opportunity@Work, Kelcey Reed. He shares about his team’s mission of rewiring the U.S. labor market so that all individuals Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) can work, learn, and earn to their full potential.Kelcey is an Engineering and IT Executive with 20+ years of success building and delivering next-generation solutions and optimizing technical environments in the FinTech, FinServices, and EdTech industries.

In this episode, he shares about:

• His career background and how he transitioned out of the military into a technical career.
• The skills he gained that allowed him to step into engineering leadership.
• His transition into becoming an entrepreneur and how he joined Opportunity@Work.