Developing Innovation Skills with Project Mercury’s Dr. W. Ethan Eagle & Julie Janson

This week, Ryan Connell is joined by Dr. W. Ethan Eagle and Lieutenant Colonel Julie “Pistol” Janson to discuss the transformative impact of Project Mercury on military innovation. Together, they dive into Project Mercury’s goal of building a culture of innovation, the strategic focus on problem-solving, and the importance of learning by doing. Ethan also shares his vision for the future of the program and how members of the DoD can get involved. Tune in for an insightful conversation on cultivating an innovative mindset in defense.

TIMESTAMPS:

(2:30) How did Project Mercury get started?

(5:33) How to encourage risk-taking in innovation

(7:15) Why an innovative mindset is like a muscle

(12:48) The core differentiator between project management and innovation

(14:50) Success stories for Project Mercury

(18:43) The true benefit behind joining the program

(24:47) Mentoring students in problem-solving

(28:16) Why democratizing innovation is the goal

(35:44) Who can join Project Mercury

(43:42) Success and failure in teamwork