211: How the Blue Horizons Is Innovating the USAF from the Inside Out

What does it take to shake up one of the largest and most complex organizations in the world from the inside out? On this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I invite you to buckle up for a conversation that dives straight into the heart of how the US Air Force is building a homegrown culture of audacious innovation through its Blue Horizons Fellowship.

I’m joined by Colonel Daniel Ruttenber and Dr. Eric Keels, two brilliant minds guiding this unique think-and-do tank based at the Air War College. Blue Horizons is where selected majors and lieutenant colonels step out of their daily missions and into a ten-month sprint to tackle strategic challenges that could redefine the future of national security. 

What makes it so remarkable is that these officers aren’t handed polished blueprints to test. Instead, they begin by hunting down the most significant, thorniest problems no one else has solved yet, then race to turn raw ideas into tangible prototypes that push the boundaries of what’s possible in modern warfare and defense technology.

Colonel Ruttenber lifts the curtain on how this fellowship for battle-hardened innovators has evolved from an academic elective into a crucible for rapid prototyping and strategy shaping that senior leaders now rely on for bold insights. 

Eric shares how diverse perspectives, strategic forecasting, and a healthy risk appetite come together to give fellows the courage to imagine everything from bacteria-built runways to Google Maps-style decision support for mission commanders. Together, they unpack why breaking through bureaucratic roadblocks and perfecting the art of storytelling is just as vital as building breakthrough tech when you’re challenging an institution designed to prioritize certainty over the experiment.

Suppose you’ve ever wondered what real innovation under pressure looks like and how a tight-knit cohort can turn constraints into rocket fuel. In that case, this episode delivers an inside look at a program rewriting the playbook on defense innovation. 

We also explore how private companies, startups, and universities can collaborate with Blue Horizons, bringing fresh thinking to the Air Force’s most challenging missions while learning what it truly means to build resilience, speed, and adaptability.

After listening, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How can leaders inside large organizations borrow lessons from Blue Horizons to encourage more risk-taking, faster learning, and better storytelling to turn big ideas into real-world impact? Join the conversation and share what you think.