Defense Unicorns, A Podcast

Join us on this episode of Defense Unicorns Podcast as we are joined by Kurt Sanger, retired Marine and former Deputy Staff Judge Advocate at US Cyber Command. Kurt shares his journey from growing up in New York City to studying at Holy Cross and Cardozo Law School, where his interest in the Marine Corps began. He reflects on his early roles in military justice and his transition into cyber operations law, providing candid insights into the challenges and motivations that shaped his path.In this episode, Kurt discusses the evolution of cyber partnerships and the critical role of trust and collaboration within the Five Eyes community. He sheds light on the complexities of legal counsel in military operations, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and the broad responsibilities of military attorneys. Through key events like the ISIS conflict and the Sony breach, Kurt illustrates the rapid shift from theory to practice in cyber operations.We also delve into the challenges of great power competition, the debate over the US Cyber Command’s role, and the essential collaboration between technologists and lawyers in shaping cyber policy. Kurt offers a thought-provoking perspective on how emerging technologies and international relations could shape the future of conflict.--Key Quote: “All these organizations have missions and those missions take up all the bandwidth that they have, all the people and all the assets that they have to carry out as it is. And competing in cyberspace is most likely never going to be the priority of an organization that has a kinetic mission.”-Kurt Sanger--Time Stamps:(00:46) Kurt Sanger's Background and Career Path(04:58) Transition to Cyber Law and Operations(07:08) Challenges and Evolution in Cyber Operations(09:23) Legal and Ethical Considerations in Cyber Operations(26:47) Discussion on Cyber Force and Organizational Structure(46:33) The Future of Cyber Conflict and Hope--Links:Connect with KurtConnect with RebeccaLaw of the Horse, What Cyber Law Might TeachCode is LawThe Nightingale's SongBeats So Lonely Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this podcast episode, host Rebecca talks with Lieutenant Colonel Casey Waldo Miller, Deputy Commander of the 67th Cyberspace Operations Group. Covering topics from his family history of military service to his role in transforming cyber operations, Lt. Col. Miller shares his journey into the Air Force, the lessons learned from commanding the 90th Cyberspace Operations Squadron, and his philosophy of leadership, including concepts like catastrophic success, ‘sucking less’ and strategic intent. Highlighting key moments like influencing Air Force policy changes and briefing top military leaders, this episode provides an in-depth look at how strategic thinking and prioritizing people can lead to significant organizational change. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Defense Unicorns Podcast, host Rebecca Lively engages with Luke Shabro, a former intelligence specialist and current Army Growth Lead at Defense Unicorns, in a comprehensive dialogue focusing on Luke’s journey from the navy to a pivotal role in shaping the future of military operations. They delve into Luke’s experiences with DevSecOps, cybersecurity, and how his work in intelligence and organizational transformation has contributed to anticipating and preparing for future warfare challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of innovative thinking and collaboration across the defense sector to proactively address the evolving landscape of global security and technological advancement.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Defense Unicorns, a Podcast, Air Force Captain Will Walker’s journey from university to the Air Force, focusing on his involvement in software development, DevOps technologies, and cybersecurity. It touches on his experiences with ROTC, passion for software, and the balance between technical involvement and leadership. The conversation delves into creating CICD pipelines, driving innovation in structured organizations, and the importance of questioning the status quo for change. Additionally, Will reflects on the value of software development, emphasizing its disruptive potential, impact on pushing boundaries, and the power of open-source collaboration in the tech field.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This podcast episode features a candid conversation with Rebecca Lively, former Deputy Director at the Air Force's Shadows Edge Software Factory, now part of Defense Unicorns. Rebecca shares her unique career journey, from an impulsive decision to attend law school, to intellectual property litigation, and eventually leading roles within the military’s cyber and software development sectors. She discusses the challenges and realizations she faced in various roles, including her struggle with imposter syndrome and the importance of diversity and humility in tech. The episode also delves into broader issues like some flaws within the government’s hiring system, the impact of diversity on software development, and the shift towards creating a more inclusive and innovative work environment. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join us as we dive into the story of Jeff McCoy. His journey wasn't a straight line. He went from blowing up his dad's laptop as a kid to making big changes in military tech with his work at Kessel Run, and Platform One and Space Camp. Now, he's taking on the tech world with his own startup, Defense Unicorns, which he co-founded. We'll talk about the ups and downs, the challenges he faced, their recent Series A investment for $30 million and other wins along the way. If you're curious about how someone goes from serving their country to shaking up the tech scene, this is the podcast for you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode titled we delve into the extraordinary journey of Nicolas Chaillan, who started as a teen software developer, revolutionized PHP adoption in enterprises, pioneered secure e-commerce in Europe, and went on to found and scale multiple companies across the globe, to include becoming the Department of the Air Force’s First Chief Software Officer. Listen as Nic shares insights from his early days of building game server hosting companies and e-commerce websites, navigating the challenges of being a young entrepreneur in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, and transitioning into a pivotal role in the U.S. Department of Defense. This story is not just about technological innovation, but also about resilience, adaptability, and the drive to make a significant impact on national security. Join us as we uncover the lessons learned from bridging the worlds of startups and cybersecurity, and how embracing change and seizing opportunities can lead from teenage coding projects to leading tech initiatives in defense. Connect with Nic on LinkedIn. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Courtney Barno, an expert in navigating the challenging market for startups and government agencies, discusses the significance of SBIR and STTR, crafting impactful proposals, understanding government buyers, and the race for technological leadership in AI between the U.S. and China.

Join us on this episode of Defense Unicorns as host Robert Slaughter sits down with Col Rhet Turnbull, Deputy Director, Space Systems Integration Office, to discuss the significant shifts in the Department of Defense. After two decades of counterterrorism focus, the spotlight is shifting back to the looming threats posed by global superpowers. Col Turnbull sheds light on the critical role of the Space Force in securing national interests and the profound impact of space on our everyday lives. How is AI revolutionizing defense strategies? What are the challenges it poses? And as the world powers position themselves, is the U.S. military equipped to handle the competition? Col Turnbull shares his insights into the future of military strategies, the necessity of embracing innovation, and his advice for the next generation of defense leaders. Listen now to delve deep into the strategies that are reshaping global defense dynamics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel McCoy, the former TSA Chief Innovation Officer, to delve into the complex task of fostering innovation within a massive, regulated organization. From his "first principle" mantra to localized pain points and employee apprehensions about innovating, Dan shares invaluable insights for anyone leading change. Tune in to learn why agility is the government's unwavering advantage and get a masterclass on sparking innovation no matter where you work. Subscribe now so you don't miss out! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.