Rapid Acquisition: Scaling Culture and Capabilities with Melissa Johnson, USSOCOM

In this episode of Building the Base, Melissa "Mojo" Johnson, Acquisition Executive at US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), offers a candid look into the world of military acquisition, drawing from her extensive experience with the Air Force's Rapid Capabilities Office and SOCOM. 

Five key takeaways from today's episode:

1. To drive organizational growth effectively, Mojo advocates for horizontal scaling, emphasizing small, high-performing teams with direct communication and a flat chain of command over creating layers of bureaucracy.
2. Acquisition success, according to Mojo, isn't about drowning in complex regulations, but about applying critical thinking - tailoring processes to solve specific problems and maintaining focus on the core mission.
3. Breaking down barriers between commercial and military tech requires a continuous dialogue, Mojo believes, by bringing together venture capitalists, industry partners, and military leaders to understand and apply innovative solutions.
4. When integrating new technologies, Mojo emphasizes understanding the end effect - moving beyond simply applying AI or new tech, and clearly articulating how a solution will enhance operator capabilities and reduce unnecessary burdens.
5. For maintaining resilience in high-stress environments, Mojo recommends building a strong support system, taking time to gain perspective, celebrating successes, and recognizing that no challenge is entirely unprecedented.