Run the Numbers

The Business of AI in Military Defence with Shield AI CFO Kingsley Afemikhe

Sep 2, 2024

Kingsley Afemikhe, CFO of Shield AI, shares his expertise on the cutting-edge landscape of autonomous jets in military defense. He discusses the critical differences between autonomous vehicles and flight technology, shedding light on the role of AI in evolving defense strategies. Kingsley provides insights into navigating complex international deal-making and emphasizes the importance of mentorship. He explores how advancements in defense tech could revolutionize various careers, hinting at a transformative future for the industry.

49:58

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Episode guests

Kingsley Afemikhe

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The defense tech sector presents unique challenges in developing autonomous flying technologies, differentiating it significantly from the autonomous vehicle market.

Private tech companies like Shield AI are crucial for innovation in defense, often filling gaps left by traditional contractors through rapid iteration and technological advancements.

Building a personal board of directors is essential for career navigation in dynamic fields, offering invaluable mentorship and support during complex challenges.

Deep dives

Challenges in the Defense Tech Industry

The discussion highlights the unique challenges faced in the defense technology sector, particularly in adapting strategies from the autonomous vehicle market to the autonomous flying market. Unlike the more regulated and consumer-focused vehicle market, the defense industry operates under high-stakes conditions where the consequences of failures can be severe. Innovations must align with national security needs, creating a setup where advancements are often propelled by military requirements. The emphasis is on developing robust solutions that can operate autonomously under varied conditions, balancing innovation with safety considerations.

Intro

4min

Advancements in Autonomous Defense Technology

2min

Innovations in Defense and Autonomous Vehicles

12min

Navigating Financial Forecasting in Military Defense

4min

Navigating Financial Management in Tech

5min

Navigating the Defense Industry and Cultural Deal-Making

17min

Navigating Business Risks and Insurance Insights

3min

The Evolving Role of CFOs in IT Management and Risk Oversight

3min

In this episode, CJ talks with Kingsley Afemikhe, CFO of Shield AI, a company pioneering the future of autonomous jets. Together, they dive deep into the defense tech industry, exploring the critical differences between autonomous vehicles and flight technology, and how innovative private tech companies like Shield AI are driving advancements in the sector. Kingsley provides an insider’s look into Shield AI’s business model, its customer base, and the intricate challenges of managing a hardware/software interface business in such a high-stakes field. He also shares his extensive experience in international deal-making, offering valuable insights into the art of navigating cultural complexities during negotiations and the importance of building a personal board of directors. The discussion wraps up with forward-looking thoughts on how AI could revolutionize careers, bringing a new wave of change to the industry and beyond. Tune in to hear Kingsley’s expert insights on the future of defense technology and its broader impacts.If you're looking for an ERP head to NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/metrics and get a customized KPI checklist.

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@cjgustafson222 (CJ)

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TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Preview and Intro(02:39) Sponsor - Mercury | NetSuite(06:00) The Autonomous Vehicle Versus Autonomous Flying Market(08:13) Innovation in the Defense Industry(11:00) Who Is Buying Shield AI Products(13:47) Building a Career in Defense(16:04) How Shield AI Makes Money(17:54) Sponsor - Maxio | Leapfin | Planful(20:59) Putting Together Government Proposals(23:44) Managing Working Capital and Debt(26:25) The OODA Loop: Observe, Orient, Decide, Act(27:31) Other Key Leaders in the Defense Industry(28:31) Cross-Cultural Deal-Making(34:53) Raising More Money Versus Less(36:22) Selecting a Personal Board of Directors(39:11) Career Building and Volatility(40:29) AI Optimism and AI FOMO(44:09) Long-Ass Lightning Round: Insurance Mistakes(46:55) Finance Software Stack(48:31) Craziest Expense Story

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Run the Numbers

The Business of AI in Military Defence with Shield AI CFO Kingsley Afemikhe

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Challenges in the Defense Tech Industry

Role of Private Companies in Defense Innovation

Revenue Streams and Business Models in Defense Tech

The Importance of a Personal Board of Directors

Future Career Building in a Changing Landscape

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts