Defense Unicorns, A Podcast

From Code to Combat: The Tech Transforming the DoD Oct 17, 2024

In this episode of The Defense Unicorns Podcast, we’re joined by Collen Roller, Founder of Dark Saber, as he shares his journey of innovation within the U.S. Air Force. From his work in Natural Language Processing (NLP) to mentoring airmen on developing applications using outdated systems, Collen’s story highlights perseverance and creativity. Discover how Dark Saber has empowered airmen to build production-ready software, transforming their operational efficiency.

We explore the transformative potential of generative AI in defense, including its ability to automate tasks like paperwork and coding, enhancing productivity. Collen also introduces Nipper GPT, an AI tool tailored for DoD networks that bridges information gaps through conversational interfaces, pushing the boundaries of data access within military environments.

Looking to the future, Collen discusses exciting advancements like Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and multi-agent AI architectures, poised to revolutionize military data interactions. As he reflects on the importance of passion and community in driving change, this episode showcases Collen’s commitment to modernizing defense technology through innovation.

Key Quote:

“I think that people need to realize that these tools are for their benefits and they need to get involved in using them today to enhance their performance and workflow because if you're not using them, you're being slow.”

-Collen Roller, Founder of Dark Saber

Time Stamps:

(00:00) DoD Software and Conversational Systems

(11:28) Future of AI in Military Operations

(17:05) Future Developments in Artificial Intelligence

(34:38) Revolutionizing Software Development in DoD

(44:21) Driving Change in DoD Through Passion

Links:

Learn more about Dark Saber

Connect with Collen

Connect with Luke

Keeping Open Source Software Secure with Eddie Zaneski Oct 02, 2024

This week on, Defense Unicorns Podcast we welcome Eddie Zaneski, the tech lead for open source here at Defense Unicorns, who takes us through his fascinating career journey from aspiring math teacher to a key player in the tech industry. Eddie shares his experiences transitioning into computer science, his passion for developer relations, and his significant contributions to the Kubernetes project. We dive into the evolution of software deployment, from bare metal servers to virtual machines and containers, and how Kubernetes has become essential in managing large-scale containerized applications. Eddie also reflects on his time at DigitalOcean, Amazon, and ChainGuard, highlighting his work on software supply chain security projects like Protobomb and Sigstore.

Our conversation then turns to the security of open-source communities, challenging the misconception that open-source software is less secure than its closed-source counterparts. Eddie discusses the advantages of transparency in open source, using the XZ library's recent security breach as a case study to emphasize the importance of trust and identity verification. We also explore the potential for similar vulnerabilities in closed-source projects and the growing importance of supply chain security measures, including building integrity and software bills of materials (SBOM). The episode concludes with a thought-provoking discussion on the benefits of transparency in open source and whether proprietary software incidents would be as openly shared or understood.

Eddie shares his enthusiasm for leveraging government funding to support open-source projects. He expresses his excitement about engaging with soldiers, airmen, and guardians to understand their challenges and explore open-source solutions. We also touch on innovative tools for air-gapped environments, like Zarf, and their applications across various industries. Listen in as Eddie recounts his experiences at Bravo hackathons, the unique challenges faced by developers in constrained environments, and offers valuable career advice for those passionate about open source and software development.

Key Quote

“There's lots of misconceptions and I'm sure you and I can talk about all of them. One of the big ones is, just. It's less secure, right? that's a massive myth. Open source security is less secure because all the code is in the open and everyone can go find the holes and generally quite the opposite actually, because the code is in the open, everyone can do their own audits and everyone can see what's happening under the covers of the magic box that you usually can't peer into with proprietary software. We have entire teams of like security. So the Kubernetes project is divided up into special interest groups or SIGs. So we have SIGs for security, we have a product security council and committee that is the incident response people for when there is a new CVE or a bug found, and all sorts of different types of things that are just tailored around security.”

-Eddie Zaneski

Time Stamps:

(00:02) Kubernetes and Open Source Evolution

(08:17) Security in Open Source Communities

(20:43) Software Bill of Materials for Cybersecurity

(24:04) Exploring Defense Unicorns and Open Source

(31:43) Navigating Careers in Open Source

(42:25) Breaking Barriers in Defense Innovation

(46:42) Collaborating for Defense Open Source

Links

Connect with Eddie

Connecting DevSecOps to Boyd’s Theories with Mark McGrath Sep 19, 2024

In this episode of the Defense Unicorns Podcast, Rebecca sits down with Mark McGrath, a Marine Corps veteran turned asset manager and consultant, to explore how modern DevSecOps practices intersect with John Boyd's theories. Mark’s deep understanding of Boyd's OODA loop—observe, orient, decide, act—shapes how he helps clients in industries like manufacturing, energy, and public relations respond to complexity and streamline decision-making, much like DevSecOps optimizes software development and deployment.

Diving into the legacy of John Boyd and going beyond the OODA loop, Mark discusses Boyd’s influence on business strategy, finance, and software development. Mark brings a fresh angle to Boyd’s concept of rapid iteration, emphasizing how speed, adaptability, and customer feedback are key tenets not just in the military or on Wall Street but also in DevSecOps. We also delve into Boyd's "Destruction and Creation," connecting it to principles of continuous integration and delivery, and explore how his philosophy of action and adaptation aligns with the core practices of DevSecOps.

Throughout the episode, Mark highlights the critical role of psychological safety and cross-functional collaboration, both key to effective leadership and DevSecOps culture. Whether you're deploying code or managing high-stakes operations, this conversation illuminates the relevance of Boyd's theories for anyone aiming to navigate complexity, enhance agility, and drive innovation in their organization.

Key Quote

“You realize I have to continuously shatter and smash my understanding of the world or my perception of the world because if I don't I'm going to become Blockbuster video. And if I don't, I'm going to be Blackberry. Or if I don't, I'm going to stagnate and I'm going to become extremely vulnerable to my competitors or the rate of change or whatever it is, it's going to get me and I'm not going to be able to survive on my own terms and it's impossible for me to ever thrive.”

-Mark McGrath

Time Stamps:

00:58 Mark McGrath's Background and Career Journey

01:38 Discovering John Boyd's Theories

04:13 Joining AGLX and Applying Boyd's Theories

06:35 Understanding John Boyd's Broader Impact

17:47 Boyd's Conceptual Spiral and Continuous Reorientation

28:39 Challenging the Status Quo

33:33 The Importance of Humility

35:06 Comfort vs. Volatility

40:13 The Power of Feedback

48:07 Boyd's Universal Applicability

Links:

Connect with Mark

Learn more about AGLX

Check out the “No Way Out” Podcast

The Whirl of Reorintation Substack

Read Destruction and Creation

Read John Boyd, The Fighter Pilot Who Changed The Art of War

Read The Psychology of Military Incompetence

Read the Timeless Way of Building

From Marine to Cyber Security Expert Sep 05, 2024

Join us on this episode of Defense Unicorns Podcast as we are joined by Kurt Sanger, retired Marine and former Deputy Staff Judge Advocate at US Cyber Command. Kurt shares his journey from growing up in New York City to studying at Holy Cross and Cardozo Law School, where his interest in the Marine Corps began. He reflects on his early roles in military justice and his transition into cyber operations law, providing candid insights into the challenges and motivations that shaped his path.

In this episode, Kurt discusses the evolution of cyber partnerships and the critical role of trust and collaboration within the Five Eyes community. He sheds light on the complexities of legal counsel in military operations, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and the broad responsibilities of military attorneys. Through key events like the ISIS conflict and the Sony breach, Kurt illustrates the rapid shift from theory to practice in cyber operations.

We also delve into the challenges of great power competition, the debate over the US Cyber Command’s role, and the essential collaboration between technologists and lawyers in shaping cyber policy. Kurt offers a thought-provoking perspective on how emerging technologies and international relations could shape the future of conflict.

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Key Quote:

“All these organizations have missions and those missions take up all the bandwidth that they have, all the people and all the assets that they have to carry out as it is. And competing in cyberspace is most likely never going to be the priority of an organization that has a kinetic mission.”

-Kurt Sanger

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Time Stamps:

(00:46) Kurt Sanger's Background and Career Path

(04:58) Transition to Cyber Law and Operations

(07:08) Challenges and Evolution in Cyber Operations

(09:23) Legal and Ethical Considerations in Cyber Operations

(26:47) Discussion on Cyber Force and Organizational Structure

(46:33) The Future of Cyber Conflict and Hope

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Links:

Connect with Kurt

Connect with Rebecca

Law of the Horse, What Cyber Law Might Teach

Code is Law

The Nightingale's Song

Beats So Lonely

Blueprint for Catastrophic Success with Lt. Col. Casey “Waldo” Miller Jun 04, 2024

In this podcast episode, host Rebecca talks with Lieutenant Colonel Casey Waldo Miller, Deputy Commander of the 67th Cyberspace Operations Group. Covering topics from his family history of military service to his role in transforming cyber operations, Lt. Col. Miller shares his journey into the Air Force, the lessons learned from commanding the 90th Cyberspace Operations Squadron, and his philosophy of leadership, including concepts like catastrophic success, ‘sucking less’ and strategic intent. Highlighting key moments like influencing Air Force policy changes and briefing top military leaders, this episode provides an in-depth look at how strategic thinking and prioritizing people can lead to significant organizational change.

Shaping Modern Defense with Luke Shabro May 14, 2024

In this episode of Defense Unicorns Podcast, host Rebecca Lively engages with Luke Shabro, a former intelligence specialist and current Army Growth Lead at Defense Unicorns, in a comprehensive dialogue focusing on Luke’s journey from the navy to a pivotal role in shaping the future of military operations. They delve into Luke’s experiences with DevSecOps, cybersecurity, and how his work in intelligence and organizational transformation has contributed to anticipating and preparing for future warfare challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of innovative thinking and collaboration across the defense sector to proactively address the evolving landscape of global security and technological advancement.

Redefining Disruption in Defense with Captain Will Walker Apr 30, 2024

On this episode of Defense Unicorns, a Podcast, Air Force Captain Will Walker’s journey from university to the Air Force, focusing on his involvement in software development, DevOps technologies, and cybersecurity. It touches on his experiences with ROTC, passion for software, and the balance between technical involvement and leadership. The conversation delves into creating CICD pipelines, driving innovation in structured organizations, and the importance of questioning the status quo for change. Additionally, Will reflects on the value of software development, emphasizing its disruptive potential, impact on pushing boundaries, and the power of open-source collaboration in the tech field.

How Law School Led to Software Leadership with Rebecca Lively Mar 26, 2024

This podcast episode features a candid conversation with Rebecca Lively, former Deputy Director at the Air Force's Shadows Edge Software Factory, now part of Defense Unicorns. Rebecca shares her unique career journey, from an impulsive decision to attend law school, to intellectual property litigation, and eventually leading roles within the military’s cyber and software development sectors. She discusses the challenges and realizations she faced in various roles, including her struggle with imposter syndrome and the importance of diversity and humility in tech. The episode also delves into broader issues like some flaws within the government’s hiring system, the impact of diversity on software development, and the shift towards creating a more inclusive and innovative work environment.

Jeff McCoy’s Journey from Enlisted Service to Startup Success Mar 11, 2024

Join us as we dive into the story of Jeff McCoy. His journey wasn't a straight line. He went from blowing up his dad's laptop as a kid to making big changes in military tech with his work at Kessel Run, and Platform One and Space Camp. Now, he's taking on the tech world with his own startup, Defense Unicorns, which he co-founded. We'll talk about the ups and downs, the challenges he faced, their recent Series A investment for $30 million and other wins along the way. If you're curious about how someone goes from serving their country to shaking up the tech scene, this is the podcast for you.

From Teen Developer to Defense Tech Leader: A Journey Unveiled with Nicolas Chaillan Mar 05, 2024

In this episode titled we delve into the extraordinary journey of Nicolas Chaillan, who started as a teen software developer, revolutionized PHP adoption in enterprises, pioneered secure e-commerce in Europe, and went on to found and scale multiple companies across the globe, to include becoming the Department of the Air Force’s First Chief Software Officer. Listen as Nic shares insights from his early days of building game server hosting companies and e-commerce websites, navigating the challenges of being a young entrepreneur in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, and transitioning into a pivotal role in the U.S. Department of Defense. This story is not just about technological innovation, but also about resilience, adaptability, and the drive to make a significant impact on national security. Join us as we uncover the lessons learned from bridging the worlds of startups and cybersecurity, and how embracing change and seizing opportunities can lead from teenage coding projects to leading tech initiatives in defense. Connect with Nic on LinkedIn.

Startups in the AI-Driven Defense Arena with Courtney Barno Oct 24, 2023

In this episode with Courtney Barno, we dive into the intricacies of navigating the challenging market for startups, especially when it comes to interfacing with government agencies. Discover the policies, strategies, and technologies that are shaping the defense sector and influencing global values. Learn about the significance of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), the art of crafting impactful proposals, and the importance of understanding the unique persona of government buyers. Furthermore, we explore the evolving global landscape, with the U.S. and China at the forefront of a race for technological leadership, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. As commercial entities surge ahead in AI adoption, is the U.S. military keeping pace?

AI on the Frontline: Modern Defense with Col Rhet Turnbull Oct 10, 2023

Join us on this episode of Defense Unicorns as host Robert Slaughter sits down with Col Rhet Turnbull, Deputy Director, Space Systems Integration Office, to discuss the significant shifts in the Department of Defense. After two decades of counterterrorism focus, the spotlight is shifting back to the looming threats posed by global superpowers. Col Turnbull sheds light on the critical role of the Space Force in securing national interests and the profound impact of space on our everyday lives. How is AI revolutionizing defense strategies? What are the challenges it poses? And as the world powers position themselves, is the U.S. military equipped to handle the competition? Col Turnbull shares his insights into the future of military strategies, the necessity of embracing innovation, and his advice for the next generation of defense leaders. Listen now to delve deep into the strategies that are reshaping global defense dynamics.

Lessons from TSA’s former Chief Innovation Officer, Daniel McCoy Sep 12, 2023

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel McCoy, the former TSA Chief Innovation Officer, to delve into the complex task of fostering innovation within a massive, regulated organization. From his "first principle" mantra to localized pain points and employee apprehensions about innovating, Dan shares invaluable insights for anyone leading change. Tune in to learn why agility is the government's unwavering advantage and get a masterclass on sparking innovation no matter where you work. Subscribe now so you don't miss out!

Changing the Status Quo Without Breaking Rules with Mohawk Matt Denny Aug 01, 2023

Join us this week in talking with Mohawk Matt Denny, a figure renowned for building bridges, connecting silos, and fueling innovation across the Department of Defense. Dive into Matt’s fascinating narrative - from his first Marine Corps experiences to his unorthodox strategies for bringing about change. Listen as he details his infamous “one day procurement” triumph, earning him the nickname of “bureaucracy slayer.” But it isn’t just about cutting the red tape. Matt prompts us to reconsider the status quo, asking if that red tape should perhaps be yellow or even green.

Mohawk Matt shares his incredible journey, highlights the power of building relationships, and discusses the significance of breaking through imposter syndrome. We end with a powerful message for senior leaders and an unforgettable “Be Awesome” ending.

Follow Mohawk Matt’s latest adventures by connecting with him on LinkedIn.

From Nurse Practitioner to DevOps Engineer with Brandi McCall Jul 18, 2023

Join our new host Michaela Flatau in episode 24 as we dive into the incredible career transition of Brandi McCall, who navigated from a 20-year career in healthcare to the tech world of DevOps. Discover how Brandy tackled the intensive Level Up in Tech bootcamp, the importance of expanding your network, and her experiences with Sparkle Academy's upskilling program. As a firm advocate for more women in tech, Brandy shares her insights on the gender gap in the industry and the potential for change. Get inspired by Brandy's fearless journey and the hard-earned triumph of her career switch. Don't miss out on this invigorating story of transformation from Nurse Practitioner to DevOps Engineer.

Putting the Human back into Human Resources with Michaela Flatau Jul 06, 2023

Many people are all talk when it comes to workplace culture, but Michaela 🦄 Flatau is taking action by teaching others how to put the Human back in Human Resources. She is considered a thought leader across the United States Department of Defense and the startup community for her insights on workplace culture and HR. For Michaela, growing up as a military brat created a passion for serving the Warfighter and empowering others to serve the military and government mission as well. Her first step towards that goal was joining the United States Department of the Air Force civil service, where she worked through all facets of HR. As the head of recruiting at Defense Unicorns, aka our Collector, she continues her mission to bring talented people to the company and show others that in building a good workplace culture, people should always come first.

Subscribe to Defense Unicorns, a podcast to meet more mission heroes across the defense and tech startup communities.

Learning from Your Peers with Tracy Gregorio Jun 20, 2023

Join Tracy Gregorio, the innovative CEO of G2 Ops, Inc., as she shares her wealth of experience in the defense industry, and her relentless pursuit of fostering innovation. Tracy shares her insights on harnessing AI in defense, the challenges and lessons of government funding, the importance of treating departmental management as business management, and the invaluable lessons she's gleaned across her diverse career. Wrapping up with practical advice for small business owners and an inside look at her experiences with government over the past decade, this episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic intersection of technology, defense, and entrepreneurship. Follow Tracy’s journey by connecting with her on LinkedIn today.

We're Always At War with Pete Newell Jun 06, 2023

Join Pete Newell, the trailblazing CEO of BMNT Inc., a pioneer in the national security innovation space. With years of dedicated service in the U.S. Army and an insatiable passion for innovation, Newell shares enlightening insights into the evolving landscape of business and innovation. Embark on this journey reiterating the importance of compelling narratives in the world of business and innovation. With his decades of leadership and strategy implementation experience, Pete Newell underlines the pivotal role of design thinking, not as an all-encompassing solution but as a single cog within a grand machine. We explore the crux of high-performing team assembly, starting with the simple, yet profound concept of getting out of the office and into the field.

Tune in as we deconstruct the commonly held belief that innovation equates to invention, or that every innovator is an entrepreneur. Newell posits an intriguing perspective around the 16-minute mark - "We're always at war. You just have to figure out where the battlefield is." A thought-provoking statement that underlines the continuous nature of struggle and competition in the realm of innovation.

Join us in this enlightening discourse that promises to redefine your understanding of innovation, entrepreneurship, and the persistent battles in the business landscape. Brace yourself for an hour filled with valuable insights, compelling storytelling, and engaging discussion with one of the brightest minds in the field.

Connect with Pete Newell On LinkedIn and Subscribe to our podcast to be updated when future mission heroes come on.

Pioneering Agile and DevOps with Andrew Clay Shafer May 23, 2023

Join Andrew Clay Shafer, a DevOps and Agile pioneer who has been an active proponent of Agile methodologies and the cultural shifts necessary for organizations to truly adopt DevOps principles and practices. Andrew delves into the critical importance of collaborative problem-solving, the impact of charismatic leadership, and the powerful potential of asking the right questions. Follow Andrew's latest adventures by connecting with him on LinkedIn and subscribe to our podcast to join us on this captivating quest.

Engineering the Digital Future with Matt Zimmermann May 09, 2023

Episode 19: Ready for a thrilling ride through the heart of digital engineering in defense contracting? Dive into this episode with Matt Zimmerman where we unpack the riveting story of his founding of Beast Code. From bootstrapping their way from a team of seven to over 180, to throwing down with Navy Seals and pushing the envelope with their innovative tech solutions, Matt and his teams are truly shaking up the digital space inside the defense industry. Tune in to hear about their audacious journey, the hurdles they've cleared, and how they're boldly crafting the future of defense technology.

Subscribe to Defense Unicorns, A Podcast, to keep up stories from the mission heroes across the defense and technology communities.

Digital Is The Battlefield with Dr. Alethea Duhon Apr 25, 2023

In this episode of Defense Unicorns, a Podcast, we welcome Dr. Alethea Duhon, a cyber security expert and former Senior Executive of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), who shares her insights on the urgency of securing our digital world. As we become more interconnected through devices and technology, Dr. Duhon emphasizes the need for immediate action to protect our digital assets and ensure national security. Key points discussed in this episode include:

The critical time we are in as a country and society, with the increasing reliance on digital technologies
The importance of accelerating our efforts in securing the digital battlefield, as Dr. Duhon says, "We need to accelerate things and it needed to happen yesterday."
The interconnectedness of our country and everyday lives, and the potential risks this poses
The role of data as currency, both literally and figuratively, and its significance in the digital landscape

Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Dr. Alethea Duhon as she highlights the challenges and importance of safeguarding our digital world as well as your role as a leader to enable and empower the next generation of innovation and workforce.

Be sure to connect with Alethea on LinkedIn to stay updated on her latest projects and endeavors.

Stop The Innovation Theatre with Steve Blank Mar 28, 2023

"When you want to know if a program is real, just follow the money, budget and authority. If it's not going to the innovation stuff, it really doesn't matter." Join Steve Blank as he shares his experience working across Silicon Valley, the Department of Defense and beyond. Steve goes into the current states of innovation and how he co-created the Department of Defense Hacking for Defense and Department of State Hacking for Diplomacy curriculums. We hope you enjoy this episode and encourage you to check out Steve on LinkedIn and learn from him like we have.

Disrupting for Impact with Preston Dunlap Feb 28, 2023

In this episode, Preston Dunlap takes you on the journey of his time as the former CTO and 1st Chief Architect of the Air Force. He details the importance of authority figures providing support and top cover for innovators trying to disrupt the status quo, and how to turn motivation into outcomes. He also talks of the importance of finding urgency without waiting for emergencies. Since his service with the federal government, Preston has founded Arkenstone Ventures. If you want to know more about Preston’s journey, you can follow him on LinkedIn

Getting the Best technology into the hands of the warfighter, Today! with Michael A Brown Feb 14, 2023

Join us this week with Michael A. Brown, former director of Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) as he shares the importance of getting the best technology into the hands of the warfighter, today, before our adversaries. Brown also shares the value that DIU provides and how it has morphed over the years to meet the needs of the defense community. Connect with Michael Brown on LinkedIn to learn more.

AI is a Decision Technology with Angela Sheffield Nov 29, 2022

“We need technologists to be the commanders,” - Angela Sheffield exclaimed while chatting with Rob about Artificial Intelligence, placing people in the right positions and more. She defines AI as bundle of technology that mimics what can normally be been done by humans. Angela has been around AI since before it was cool. Listen and Connect with Angela on LinkedIn today to stay tuned to whats new for AI.

Active Duty Innovators Solving Warfighter Software Problems with Colin Dablain Nov 01, 2022

Service members have been solving their own problems since 1775, but the problems and solutions have changed since then. US. Navy Lieutenant Colin Dablain shares his excitement about combining civilians and service members, solving warfighter software problems across all the branches of military. Colin is a surface warfare officer by day and a machine learning officer by night. Connect with Colin and follow his journey on LinkedIn.

Creating Impact through Innovation & Collaboration between Community, State, Universities and the DoD with Aniza Brown Oct 18, 2022

Aniza Brown has been connecting communities for as long as anyone can remember. A common phrase across Utah is “Aniza knows someone and can get it done.” Join her and Rob as they discuss the power and value of connecting communities city, state, university, industry, and the Department of Defense levels. As Ogden Utah’s Catalyst Campus Executive Director, she is responsible for pushing innovation within the eco-system, driving modernization capabilities, and lowering the barrier of entry for small businesses. Follow and support her journey by connecting with Aniza Brown today on LinkedIn.

Putting the Sec in DevSecOps with Chris Hughes Oct 17, 2022

"We need that next generation of folks prepared to step in and lead and drive cultural change, that innovation and those outcomes for the mission.” Join Chris Hughes as Rob asks him how he puts the Security in Development, Security and Operations, (DevSecOps). Chris is co-founder and Chief Information Security Officer at Aquia Inc., and is a proven cloud and cyber security leader with nearly 20 years of experience in both the federal and commercial industries. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his passion in helping educate individuals in cybersecurity, cloud and DevSecOps.

Software Supply Chain with Dan Lorenc Sep 20, 2022

People tend to trust the software they buy, or download, just because it's available online, that doesn't make it safe. Join Dan Lorenc, the co-founder and CEO of Chainguard, as he explains the importance of a good software supply chain and what happens when you trust software that has vulnerabilities. Lorenc, an expert in his field, is a graduate of MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and came up at companies like Microsoft and Google, while he was chasing his passion for creating software you can trust. You can find and connect with Dan on LinkedIn.

AFWERX Open Topic and Accelerator Origin Stories with Chris Benson Sep 06, 2022

“Crossing the Valley of Death” has become a buzz phrase across the Department of Defense Acquisitions community. Join Chris Benson, a co-founder of AFWERX, as he shares his story on how he helped create what is now known and the SBIR Open Topic and the AFWERX Accelerator Program for the United States Air Force. Key advice Chris also shares is: “Don’t manage your time, manage your motivation.” He has since left the air force but is still doing great things across industry. You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn to learn more and stay tuned to his career and journey.

Never the Tech, Always the Culture with Artem Sherbinin Aug 23, 2022

"Let us work on the problems we're most passionate about with other people that want to move fast and break things,” said Artem Sherbinin as he shared his experiences working true artificial intelligence opportunities in the U.S. Navy. As an active duty Naval Surface Warfare Officer, he is solving problems for sailors with sailors. He goes on about the three elements of a foundational structure: development tools; talented personnel and the right governance. Follow Artem on LinkedIn to follow his career and join him in his fight to bring sailors and service members the tools they need to succeed.

Platform One and the Power of Grassroots software teams with Austen Bryan Aug 09, 2022

“A grassroots team really only forms if they like it at their core, they believe in it,” Austen Bryan said while talking to Rob about about his time at Platform One and creating software teams from the ground up. Austen also shares what he would do if he could go back 5 years with the knowledge he has now; one being the value of learning from others in your ecosystem and learn how they did it, instead of just reading about it in books. Connect with Austen today on LinkedIn to stay up with his next adventures.

Challenging the Status Quo with Dr. Will Roper Jul 19, 2022

Innovative vs. Innovation: One is a buzzword, and the other is a way of thinking and is the trait of change agents at every level. Dr. Will Roper is known for challenging the status quo and he shares his experience being a leader who provides top cover to empower the right people to solve problems in both the public and private sectors. Rob inquires about Will’s time as head of Air Force Acquisitions and how he could accomplish what he did in such a short time. Quoting Dr. Roper, “I made sure I had the right people around me, and I gave them the top cover they needed.” Connect with Dr. Will Roper on LinkedIn to learn more about his journey.

Insubordination: Conventionally with Jake Singleton Jun 14, 2022

Insubordination: Conventionally recognized as a negative term but Captain Jake Singleton is committed to the idea that its exactly what our military leaders are asking for and what our acquisition community needs. Jake is an acquisitions officer in the US Space Force where he has spent a large part of his career supporting transformative opportunities for defense acquisitions through rapid capability development and working with the emerging commercial sector and international partners. He has been called insubordinate by his greatest champion and to “cease and desist” by lawyers that have become his greatest allies. Most important he has seen success and change! How can we develop more Guardians and Airmen willing to be vulnerable, and to develop practical skills in how to dissent effectively so that our organizations remain creative and relevant in the future? Connect with Jake on LinkedIn today.

Open Source & HPC Origin Story with Greg Kurtzer May 31, 2022

Greg Kurtzer joins Rob to talk about his 20 years working with linux, open source and high performance computing and his rocky origins on the scene, how he has changed his style and understanding of things, to include what he is up to now. He shares that he wishes someone told him at a younger age to challenge the status quo and thinking differently. Greg is well known in the HPC space for designing scalable and easy to manage secure architectures for innovative performance intensive computing while working for the U.S. Department of Energy and joint appointment to UC Berkeley. Greg founded and led several large open source projects such as CentOS Linux, the Warewulf and Perceus cluster toolkits, the container system Singularity, and most recently, the successor to CentOS, Rocky Linux. Connect with Greg on LinkedIn today.

Software Origins of DoD Software Factories with Enrique Oti May 17, 2022

Enrique Oti joins Rob to discuss the origins of Department of Defense Software Factories and his strategy of innovation used to build Kessel Run, using a strategy opposite to most innovators, instead of keeping their head low and unseen, they made noise, told as many leaders as possible and eventually went all the way to the top for support. Enrique Oti is a retired Air Force Colonel of 23 years and the founding director of Kessel Run, an acquisition and operations unit that rapidly deploys modern software capabilities for Air Force programs, as well as completing many operations in Cyber Warfare and intelligence. He also co-founded the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is Silicon Valley.

Istio Service Mesh to Tetrate with Zack Butcher May 03, 2022

You may have not met Zack Butcher in person, but those who have used Google Cloud or Istio Service Mesh have shaken hands with his code. And if that doesn’t do it for you, he wrote the recommendations around micro services security for federal with NIST. Zack shares his way of innovating, starting new projects, and what it takes to reach success by finding whats broken and fix it in a way that provides value. He is currently a Founding Engineer at Tetrate and has helped in a variety of roles across the company - currently he’s Head of Product. Connect with Zack on LinkedIn today.

Jason from the Block{Chain} Apr 19, 2022

Join Air Force Major Jason Lowery as he talks about Bitcoin, its strategic importance for national defense and what it takes to be an innovator. Jason is an Air Force veteran and National Defense Fellow researching Bitcoin while pursuing a master's degree in engineering & management through the System Design & Management program jointly offered by MIT's School of Engineering & Sloan School of Management. You can follow Jason on Twitter at @JasonPLowery

Defense Unicorns, A Podcast Trailer Mar 04, 2022

Welcome to Defense Unicorns, A Podcast for mission focused innovators. We educate, inform, and provide mission heroes with DevSecOps, cybersecurity, and organizational transformation stories from the world's leading problem solvers. I'm your host, Rob Slaughter, and we're excited for you to join us on this journey.

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