Defense Mavericks

This week, Ryan Connell sits down with cybersecurity expert Chris Hughes, CEO of Aquia, a veteran-owned cloud and cybersecurity digital services firm. Chris brings two decades of experience from the federal IT space, sharing insights on everything from AI adoption in the government to the importance of continuous ATO. Chris dives into the challenges and opportunities of experimenting with new technologies, the balance between security and usability, and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity compliance in the DoD. Whether you're a tech professional, a government contractor, or someone interested in the future of defense technology, this episode is packed with valuable perspectives and actionable takeaways. TIMESTAMPS: (0:49) Chris’s journey in federal IT and cyber (2:25) Diving into cybersecurity practices (4:33) Balancing “build vs. buy” in cybersecurity (12:30) A deep dive on FedRAMP and ATO (16:45) How to leverage AI for cybersecurity (18:13) Navigating software supply chain security (20:57) How to overcome software supply chain security challenges (27:30) If Chris was king of Dod for the day, what would he change? LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientcyber/ Aquia: https://www.aquia.us/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Maj. Gen. Alice Treviño, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting in the Department of the Air Force, as she shares insights from her 32-year career. They explore the challenges of contracting, her leadership philosophy, and the evolution of AI tools within the Air Force. Major General Treviño emphasizes the importance of patience, positivity, and curiosity for change agents in contracting, and shares advice on scaling innovation across the Air Force. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on what it takes to succeed as a contracting leader. TIMESTAMPS: (1:51) General Treviño’s journey to becoming a senior leader in Air Force contracting (6:49) How to delegate authority in high-visibility projects (9:41) The critical role of contracting in mission success (12:52) A day in the life of a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting (18:45) The concept of the “flight plan” and “Tools, Not Rules” (19:46) Building and scaling tools across the Air Force (27:26) Advice on change agency for junior members in the Air Force (32:55) The importance of maintaining relentless positivity as a leader LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Maj. Gen. Treviño: https://www.linkedin.com/in/major-general-alice-“ali”-t-834a6414/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan Connell experiments with Google’s cutting-edge AI tool, NotebookLM. Ryan challenges the AI to generate a podcast episode based on the Tradewinds Solution Marketplace Customer Handbook, which dives into the DoD’s efforts to streamline the acquisition of advanced technologies. Listen as AI characters Andy and Ethel discuss the handbook, touch on key defense innovations, and explore how the Tradewinds Solution Marketplace is reshaping procurement in the defense sector. Look out for tangents and surprising insights that put into perspective how powerful AI can be. TIMESTAMPS: (0:30) Ryan’s experiment with Google NotebookLM (1:06) Meet our fake guests “Andy & Ethel” (2:08) How Tradewinds can help the DoD acquire cutting-edge tech faster (2:50) Streamlining the contracting process (3:08) OTs explained (4:40) Involvement of Kessel Run & DARPA (5:41) Attracting the right tech talent (8:16) How Tradewinds fosters agility and innovation (9:39) The start of a new era in defense LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Google NotebookLM: https://notebooklm.google/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

Steve Blank, an esteemed adjunct professor at Stanford and co-founder of the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, shares valuable insights on balancing execution and innovation in the Department of Defense. He explores his entrepreneurial journey and the transformative Hacking for Defense initiative that connects students with real-world challenges. Steve emphasizes the importance of disrupting the 'frozen middle' culture and adopting lean startup methodologies to foster rapid innovation and align technology with pressing operational needs.

This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Alex Martin, the CEO and co-founder of Clearspeed, to discuss how they are using AI-enabled voice analytics to revolutionize risk assessment in defense. Alex shares his personal journey from the Marine Corps to tech entrepreneur and how he’s aiming to solve the age-old problem of vetting individuals efficiently and at scale. He elaborates on the challenges of building a technology company in the defense and enterprise sectors, emphasizing the importance of trust, speed, and the human element in AI applications. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on startup success and the future of risk assessment. TIMESTAMPS: (1:09) Meet Alex Martin (2:22) Why Clearspeed was born out of tragedy (5:44) How to scale risk assessment (9:57) Productizing a defense engine for enterprise (12:28) How to find pockets of people with imagination (15:27) Is this an invasion of privacy? (19:02) How to balance speed and security (21:47) Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs (25:42) How to build a passionate team (30:50) Creating a purpose-driven culture (37:37) Why imagination is critical in VC LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandersmartin/ Clearspeed: https://www.clearspeed.com/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan Connell chats with Jonathan Mostowski, author, public speaker, and president of Agile Acquisitions LLC, about the truth behind “hacking” bureaucracy in government contracting, the development and impact of agile acquisition frameworks, and his career journey from a contracting officer to an innovative leader in the field. Jonathan shares his insights into creating culture change through contracting, the importance of understanding rules and strategic risk-taking, and his experiences authoring the TechFAR handbook. Tune in for a refreshing conversation on how to look at the defense procurement process with different eyes. TIMESTAMPS: (1:19) Meet Jonathan (3:18) What is a Scaled Agile Framework? (4:08) How Jonathan created the TechFAR Handbook (7:49) The biggest challenge contractors face (10:40) Why Jonathan doesn’t “hack” bureaucracy (13:35) Culture change needed in contracting (15:01) Jonathan’s writing process (18:55) What would you change if you were king for a day? (22:09) Why reward systems are key to success (26:26) Are SBIRs sustainable? (32:02) The reality behind the Valley of Death LINKS: Follow Ryan: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/⁠ Follow Jonathan: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmost/ Leading Agile Acquisitions Book: https://www.agileacquisitions.com/product-page/leading-agile-acquisitions TechFAR Hub: https://techfarhub.usds.gov/ CDAO: ⁠https://www.ai.mil/⁠ Tradewinds: ⁠https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Dr. Tom Rondeau, Principal Director of FutureG, to discuss the complexities and innovations behind wireless communications, from the defense applications of 5G to the groundbreaking potential of 6G. Tom shares his insights on the role of AI in wireless technology, the importance and challenges of interoperability within NATO, and the potential of open-source platforms in driving wireless innovation. Tune in to this eye-opening conversation on the seemingly “invisible” role this technology plays in the world of defense and beyond. TIMESTAMPS: (0:52) Meet Dr. Tom Rondeau (1:36) What is 6G? (2:23) The ins and outs of 5G technology (5:54) How 5G plays a role in military and national security (8:05) The importance of interoperability (13:22) Cybersecurity in wireless communications (16:01) AI and the future of 5G (23:45) The potential of open source and open RAN (30:09) Why this technology is critical to our everyday lives LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Dr. Tom Rondeau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasrondeau/ FutureG: https://rt.cto.mil/futureg-home/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan Connell discusses entrepreneurial approaches to problem-solving in defense with Pete Newell, 32-year Army veteran turned entrepreneur, educator, investor, and co-founder and CEO of BMNT. Pete dives into the inception and impact of the Hacking for Defense program and shares his insights on the importance of rapid adaptation and how ingenuity can drive mission acceleration in both government and commercial sectors. Tune in for an in-depth lesson on what it takes to win on the battlefield. TIMESTAMPS: (0:35) Meet Pete Newell (1:37) The evolution of Hacking for Defense (3:53) Problems are like fish bait in Silicon Valley (9:41) Building interdisciplinary teams (14:39) The difference between innovation and ingenuity (18:28) Important takeaways from Ukraine battlefield (20:48) Acquisitions are not the problem (32:38) How to professionalize the building of people LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Pete: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewell/ BMNT: https://www.bmnt.com/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan Connell is joined by John Janek, Chief Technologist at Dev Technology Group, to talk about the critical elements of rapid acquisitions and agile budgeting in government. John shares his insights on the evolving role of technology in hiring and organizational improvements, the importance of community, the need for cross-functional collaboration, and why transparency is the ultimate value stream. Tune in for practical advice on fostering community, leveraging technology, and the impactful shift of dynamic team building. TIMESTAMPS: (0:30) Who is John Janek (1:39) The importance of community in government (6:32) The secret to rapid acquisition (9:06) How technology plays a role in problem-solving (13:18) What is systems thinking? (17:58) Will we ever achieve agile budgeting in government? (20:48) Transparency is the ultimate disinfectant (31:25) The power of sitting next to someone in meetings LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjanek/ Dev Technology: https://devtechnology.com/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Steve Barva, federal acquisition consultant, to discuss the importance of breaking rules and cutting through red tape in the DoD. Steve shares his insights on competition in contracting, innovative solicitation practices, and the value of listening to fresh ideas from junior team members. He dives into numerous examples and insights on how to challenge norms and implement meaningful changes in acquisition practices. Tune in to this inspiring episode on how to affect change in the DoD. TIMESTAMPS: (0:29) Why every rule is meant to be broken (2:29) Finding innovative contracting solutions (3:51) How to overcome bureaucratic hurdles (6:02) Why leaders become risk averse over the years (10:40) Encouraging innovation in younger generations of procurement analysts (15:45) Are you gold-plating your requirements? (20:04) Why is it so hard to break the norm? (23:55) Leaders need to allow their teams to break the rules (28:12) If you’re not disrupting, you’re not trying LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-b-14459860/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/