Defense Mavericks

This week, Ryan Connell is joined by Russ Long, founder and CEO of Long Capture, to talk about the different pathways to success a defense startup can take in the DoD. Russ shares his journey from his former Air Force contracting days to now helping tech startups bridge the gap to military adoption (a.k.a. surviving the Valley of Death.) They dive deep into the importance of impactful innovation, the evolving role of programs like SBIR, and how strategic and tactical financing are driving the second wave of defense innovation. Tune in to learn all about how to drive innovation in the defense acquisition process. TIMESTAMPS: (0:57) Russ’s journey from contracting officer to CEO (1:55) What is “cool” technology? (2:55) The Benefits of SBIR and CSO Programs (5:47) How TACFI and STRATFI programs work (11:03) Do you have to be a commercial-first company to survive in DoD? (14:46) What is the second wave of defense Innovation? (19:49) Why sole source authority is critical (26:47) What Russ looks for in a startup (30:20) Free ways to learn from Long Capture LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Russ: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-long/ Long Capture: https://longcapture.com/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

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

This week, Ryan is joined by Mike McGinley, director of GigEagle, mobilization assistant to the commander of the Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, and federal account executive at Google, to talk all things talent in the DoD. Mike shares his insights on the flexibility of reservists' service, the operational impact of overcoming bureaucracy and policy hurdles, and the revolutionary approach to integrating AI in talent acquisition. Tune in to this inspiring conversation on national collaboration and agility in the defense community. TIMESTAMPS: (0:46) Mike’s dual journey career (4:01) What is an agile talent ecosystem? (10:56) How to cut through red tape (15:53) Mike’s “aha” moment in an Uber (19:28) How fast is too fast to scale? (21:45) Why user feedback is critical for growth (26:04) The future of a whole-of-nation talent marketplace (32:58) Why we need to encourage creativity and teamwork in defense LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmcginley2/ GigEagle: https://gigeagle.mil/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan is joined by Hannah Hunt, Distinguished Technical Director at MetroStar, to talk about the challenges of navigating defense bureaucracy and how she’s overcome the inevitable burnout of government work. Hannah dives into lesson learned from Kessel Run and Army Software Factory and the leap of faith she took into the industry world with MetroStar. She shares her insights on agile, user-focused software solutions, leveraging the FAR to speed up procurement, and upskilling soldiers in software development. Tune in for a refreshing episode on learning how to balance mission impact and mental health. TIMESTAMPS: (0:47) Meet Hannah Hunt (1:51) Kessel Run’s agile acquisition strategy (3:37) Why user feedback is key to iterative development (7:06) The importance of security and accreditation in software factories (12:32) Lessons learned from Army Software Factory (18:39) Does moving to private sector cure burnout? (23:57) The secret to perfecting your craft as a government worker (29:20) 3 books that changed Hannah’s career development LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Hannah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-feldman-hunt-b8646a97 The Lean Startup: https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Startup-Entrepreneurs-Continuous-Innovation/dp/0307887898 Range: https://www.amazon.com/Range-Generalists-Triumph-Specialized-World/dp/0735214484 Making of a Manager: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Manager-What-Everyone-Looks/dp/0735219567 CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan is joined by Larsen Jensen, two-time Olympian, former Navy SEAL, and founder of Harpoon Ventures, to explore the rapidly-changing landscape of defense tech investing. Larsen dives into the necessity of reframing risk, the resurgence of American entrepreneurship, and the key to succeeding as a defense startup. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on navigating the DoD landscape, the importance of government procurement expertise, and the mindset and cultural shifts needed to become a defense leader. TIMESTAMPS: (4:39) Larsen’s journey from Olympian to Navy SEAL (9:07) How to reframe risk for better defense tech investments (12:19) Why military struggles to adopt new technology (14:48) Warfare has changed and the US is behind (19:36) Is selling to Uncle Sam intimidating? (20:55) Why Silicon Valley is shifting its focus to national security (24:21) The future of defense tech market (30:44) Why Government DNA is vital to investment success LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Larsen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsen-jensen/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan is joined by Mike Clark, Branch Chief at Kill Chain Integration Branch of the Air Force Special Programs Division, to discuss the nuanced world of contracting and artificial intelligence within the DoD. He shares his insights on fostering relationships, maintaining integrity in acquisition, and the critical thinking required to navigate policy challenges. They also explore the use of bailment agreements and strategies for incentivizing the right behaviors in AI development. Tune in for a deep dive into the thought processes behind successful AI and contracting practices. TIMESTAMPS: (2:14) How does AI play a role in contracting? (4:02) First thing that needs to go is your ego (10:39) Why stovepipes are the devil (16:19) How to empower leadership in Special Programs (19:15) Navigating the complexities of AI in contracting (24:07) Strategies to streamline government contracts (27:54) Why incentive structures are needed for tech (29:23) Understanding user pain points LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelclarkii/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

We have a special announcement this week! Meet our new Defense Mavericks host, Ryan Connell. Bonnie and Ryan chat about Bonnie’s departure from the show and what you can expect going forward. Tune in for a short, fun listen in this official hand-off episode! TIMESTAMPS: (0:30) Why Bonnie is leaving (1:12) Ryan's vision for the podcast (2:42) Who is Ryan Connell (4:01) Future topics and potential format changes (8:49) The final grilled cheese debate LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, we’re sharing a panel discussion from SchoolHouse where Bonnie joined Gene Ebersole from BVVC, Mike McGuire from SpaceX, and Lisa Sanders from Special Operations Command to talk about defense innovation. Together, they dive into the challenges of transitioning defense projects, overcoming bureaucratic and cultural barriers within the DoD, and using existing policies to fast-track technological advancements. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation on harnessing the power of partnerships and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in defense. TIMESTAMPS: (4:08) The goal of this panel discussion (9:50) How to tailor the acquisition process for speed (12:45) Problem statements vs. requirements (14:42) Prioritize relationships, not transactions (20:26) Why VC's and founders should partner with innovators (26:54) Why feedback may not always lead to a purchase (35:20) How to avoid niche products & solve fundamental problems instead (40:07) Connect people with solutions for better outcomes (44:33) Why failure should be a budget line item (48:00) The role of VCs in defense funding LINKS: Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/ Follow Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-sanders-17b37067/ Follow Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-mcguire-66569a111/ Follow Gene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-ebersole-1bb62615b/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ SchoolHouse: https://govexec.com/

Explore AI's transformative potential in defense with Tyler Sweatt, Jason Preisser, and Alexis Bonnell. Topics include increasing acquisition speed, governance as currency, integrating AI at scale, and the DoD guiding industry. Discover how AI can revolutionize defense if embraced.

Retired Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force Reserve, Brian Morrison, discusses innovation in the DoD. Topics include his journey to becoming an innovation leader, practical strategies for deploying ideas, and advice for aspiring defense innovators. He emphasizes the importance of operationalizing innovations and the keys to success in the defense sector.