Leaders and Legends in Government

Latest Episodes:

Leadership with Purpose Aug 06, 2026

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Join host Aileen Black on this week'sLeaders and Legends in Government as she welcomes Teri Takai, one of the nation's most accomplished government technology executives.

From leading technology transformation as CIO for multiple states and the U.S. Department of Defense to advising organizations on innovation and digital modernization, Takai shares the leadership lessons, career insights, and vision that have made her one of the most respected voices in public sector technology.

Don't miss this engaging conversation on leadership, building high-performing teams, and preparing the next generation of public sector leaders.

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Leadership, innovation, and trust in a new era of national security Feb 23, 2026

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On this episode of Leaders and Legends in Government, host Aileen Black speaks withJen Sovada, a national security leader known for helping innovative technology companies successfully support government missions.

Drawing on her military background and extensive experience guiding emerging startups, Sovada shares how leaders can introduce AI and autonomous capabilities responsibly, build trust in high-stakes environments, and align innovation with mission needs.

She also reflects on resilience, mentoring teams, and the perspective she brings to leadership as a working mother.

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Leadership at scale requires trust, clarity, and resilience—especially at the intersection of technology and public service Jan 15, 2026

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On this episode of Leaders and Legends in Government, host Aileen Black speaks with Tariq Shaukat, CEO of Sonar and board member at Public Storage and Gap Inc., about leading through change at scale.

Drawing on his experience at Google Cloud, Bumble, and Caesars Entertainment, Shaukat discusses trust, resilience, and what it takes to lead teams in today’s fast-moving, high-stakes technology environment—especially where public and private sectors intersect.

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Hope Through Prevention: Dr. Rebecca Kaltman on resilience and patient-centered care in the fight against cancer Sep 22, 2025

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On this episode of Leaders and Legends in Government on Federal News Network, host Aileen Black sits down with Dr. Rebecca D. Kaltman, a board-certified breast medical oncologist and the executive eirector of Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center at Inova Schar Cancer Center

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kaltman has led teams in cancer genetics, prevention, and infusion services while helping patients and staff navigate the challenges of modern healthcare. She shares powerful insights on leadership, resilience, and patient-centered care in today’s rapidly changing medical landscape.

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From In-Q-Tel to venture capital: George Hoyem on leadership & innovation Aug 28, 2025

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On this episode of Leaders and Legends in Government, host Aileen Black sits down with George Hoyem—venture capital leader, former managing partner at In-Q-Tel, and a driving force behind technologies that strengthen America’s national security.

With decades of experience at the intersection of innovation and defense, Hoyem shares his journey, lessons from investing in cutting-edge startups, and insights on what makes great leaders and resilient companies.

From navigating the challenges of early-stage ventures to shaping the future of U.S. competitiveness, this conversation offers valuable perspective for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and anyone passionate about leadership and national security innovation.

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Leadership at the intersection of security and trade Aug 13, 2025

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On this episode of Leaders and Legends in Government, host Aileen Black welcomes the Honorable Nazak Nikakhtar, former assistant secretary at Commerce’s International Trade Administration, and former acting under secretary at the Bureau of Industry and Security. She is now a partner at Wiley Rein.

Known for her ability to bridge national security, economic policy, and global trade, Nikakhtar shares her inspiring journey from immigrating to the United States as a child to shaping U.S. policy at the highest levels.

In this wide-ranging conversation, she reflects on early career lessons, leading under pressure, balancing innovation with national security, and navigating the challenges of public service, private practice, and motherhood—all while offering practical leadership insights for the next generation.

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The future of defense IT May 27, 2025

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Young Bang, former principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, joins Aileen Black on this week's Leaders and Legends.

He will discuss the leadership principles needed to take on the challenges and opportunities for Army innovation that will shape the future of defense IT.

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Leadership during changing times Apr 21, 2025

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Technology executive and former federal CIO Clare Martorana joins host Aileen Black on this week's Leaders and Legends program.

Martorana served as federal chief information officer in the Biden Administration from March 2021 until January 2025.

She was the fifth person to hold the job which was created by the E-Government Act of 2002.

During the program, Martorana gives some valuable advice to executives who are leading during changing times.

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Challenges facing today's government leaders Mar 14, 2025

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Alexis Bonnell, chief information officer and director of the Digital Capabilities Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory, joins host Aileen Black on this week's Leaders and Legends program.

Bonnell will discuss leadership, innovation, and the challenges faced by federal

government leaders today.

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Toughest challenges facing national security leaders Jan 08, 2025

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Tyler Sweatt , CEO of Second Front Systems, joins host Aileen Black

on Leaders and Legends to discuss leadership, innovation, and the challenges

faced by national security leaders in today's rapidly changing environment.

As the chief executive officer of Second Front Systems, Sweatt works to bridge

the gap between innovative technologies and national security organizations.

In addition, he serves as a technical advisor at Pallas Advisors and a partner at

the non-profit Silicon Valley Defense Group.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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