The Cognitive Crucible

During this episode, LTC Erica Mitchell discusses the Army Cyber Institute's Jack Voltaic (JV) project, which studies response gaps alongside assembled partners to identify interdependencies among critical infrastructure sectors, provide recommendations, and prevent strategic surprise. JV provides an innovative, bottom‐up approach to critical infrastructure resilience in two unique ways. Whereas most federal efforts to improve resiliency focus on regional or multistate emergency response, JV focuses on cities and municipalities where critical infrastructure and populations are most heavily populated. Furthermore, JV deviates from other cybersecurity and national preparedness exercises in that it builds around areas of interest nominated by the participants. Although JV events include national-level capabilities and resources, they are conceptually driven by the concerns of the cities and their infrastructure partners. Through this approach, the Department of Defense is able to harvest insights about potential roles, dependencies, partners, and support requests, while cities are able to discover potential capability gaps and expand their critical infrastructure information-sharing networks before a potential disaster strikes. The flexible JV platform is capable of including information operations scenarios, as well. Link to full show notes and resources Bio: Lieutenant Colonel Erica Mitchell is the Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources (CIKR) Research Group Chief for the Army Cyber Institute and Assistant Professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department at the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point. She graduated from West Point with a B.S. in American Legal Systems, was commissioned as a Signal Corps officer, and later transitioned to an Information Systems Management Officer (FA26B). She attended Syracuse University, where she earned an M.S. in Information Systems Management, C.A.S. in Information Security Management, and PhD in Information Science and Technology. Her military service includes serving at increasing levels of responsibility starting at the tactical level as a platoon leader, up to and including project management on DoD-level enterprise technology programs. She has authored and co-authored several conference papers and a journal article. Her main research focus at ACI is critical infrastructure resilience. She is a member of ACM and ISC2 and maintains the CISSP certification. IPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn.

During this episode, VADM Joe Dyer USN (Ret.) recaps his service on the Section 809 Panel, which was chartered by the FY2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). He also discusses 5G technology, investment strategy, enterprise portfolio management, changing from process to product, and the Congressionally-funded National Spectrum Consortium. Full show notes Bio: Vice Admiral Joseph W. Dyer USN (Ret.) is Chief Strategy Officer for the National Spectrum Consortium. He was a C-Level executive at iRobot Corp for over a decade. Formerly he was the Commander of the Naval Air Systems Command. He received the James H. Doolittle award for outstanding engineering achievement in aerospace. Joe holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from North Carolina State University and a master's in finance from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He is an elected fellow in the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and the National Academy of Public Administration. IPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn.

LtGen Lori Reynolds leads the Marine Corps' modernization efforts related to operations in the information environment. During this episode, our wide ranging discussion covers competition, professional military education, authorities, technology, and partnerships. Full Show Notes with Links and Resources Bio: Lieutenant General Reynolds was commissioned in May 1986 upon graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and assigned as a Communications Officer. As a Company grade officer, she served in various billets at 1st Marine Division Communications Company, Marine Wing Communication Squadron 18 in Okinawa, Marine Corps Systems Command, and 9th Communication Battalion, I MEF. As a Field Grade officer, she was selected to command Recruiting Station Harrisburg PA and then served as an Action Officer and Division Head at HQMC C4. She was selected to command 9th Communication Battalion in 2003 and deployed the battalion to Fallujah Iraq in support of I MEF during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. She was subsequently assigned to duty with the Joint Staff J6 in Washington DC where she was an Action Officer and Division Head. Col Reynolds assumed command of 1 MEF Headquarters Group in 2009 and deployed the Group to Helmand Province Afghanistan in support of I MEF and RC Southwest during Operation Enduring Freedom. As a General Officer, she commanded Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island/Eastern Recruiting Region from 2011-2014, was the Principal Deputy to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense South and Southeast Asia in OSD Policy from 2014-2015 and commanded Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command from 2015-2018. LtGen Reynolds has commanded at every rank. Her professional military education includes The Basic School, the Basic Communication Officer's Course, Command and Control Systems Course, the Naval War College and the Army War College. She has earned Masters Degrees from both the Naval War College and the Army War College. IPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn.

During this episode, one of the principal authors of Marine Corps Doctrinal Pub (MCDP) 1-4 ("Competing"), Col Bill Vivian, USMC (ret.), discusses the creation of this timely document. After recapping the Marine Corps' capstone doctrinal publication, which is called "Warfighting," he then offers a perspective on the evolution of information operations and great power competition from the vantage of a career infantry officer. More information about the Phoenix Challenge conference with Keynote by former Director of National Intelligence, LtGen (ret.) James Clapper. Link to show notes Bio: Bill Vivian of Freestone Solutions Group retired from the Marine Corps in 2018 after 31 years on active duty. Starting as an enlisted Marine, he rose through the ranks to colonel. Bill was an infantry officer who commanded at each level from a platoon of 40 to a regiment of 4,000 Marines. Along the way he earned master's degrees in operational planning, military studies, and resource strategy. In 2018, Bill launched Freestone Solutions Group, a leadership coaching and consulting business. IPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn.

During this episode, Mr. Shomit Ghose of ONSET Ventures outlines the difference between marginal and disruptive innovation. We also talk about the embodiment of the Red Queen Hypothesis and the OODA loop in today's competitive business climate where companies are expected to innovate quickly in order to stay ahead of their competition. Shomit asserts that the big tech companies are outpacing most others, which has analogues for national security, as well. We conclude the episode talking about driving innovation with entrepreneurship and teaching the next generation of business and technology leaders. More information about the Phoenix Challenge conference with Keynote by former Director of National Intelligence, LtGen (ret.) James Clapper. Link to full show notes and resources Bio: Shomit Ghose is a general partner at the Silicon Valley venture capital firm ONSET Ventures, which he joined in 2001. Prior to entering the world of VC, Shomit was a software entrepreneur himself and was part of multiple successful exits. In his start-up career Shomit has held all operating positions from software engineer to CEO. He currently serves on multiple corporate and non-profit boards, and has also held teaching positions at UC Berkeley's College of Engineering, the University of San Francisco's School of Management, and the Technical University of Denmark. Shomit received his degree in computer science from UC Berkeley, where he also played attack on the Cal men's lacrosse team. IPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn.

During this episode, MAJ Jessica Dawson of the Army Cyber Institute at West Point shares recent research about the social media ecosystem and how it is being weaponized. We also discuss the concept of identity and a new framework for understanding narrative weaponization for the purposes of mobilization and radicalization. Our conversation concludes with Jess' policy and regulatory recommendations for mitigating risk. Link to full show notes and resources Bio: MAJ Jessica Dawson is a native of rural Maine who enlisted in the Army in 1995 and reached the rank of Sergeant First Class before she commissioned into the Signal Corps in 2007. MAJ Dawson has served in Korea, Germany, Iraq and Fort Hood. She is currently serving as the lead research scientist for the Army Cyber Institute's Information Warfare team and teaches sociology in the Department Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at West Point. She holds a Ph.D. in sociology from Duke University and is currently researching social media and extremism along with the implications of the digital disruption of social processes. IPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

During this episode, Emma Chiu of Wunderman Thompson discusses global trends which affect brands as well as the competition for attention. She describes growing anxiety and a sense of urgency as some trends--especially trends mapped to digital and technology capabilities--seem to have accelerated during the COVID crisis. Brands are also grappling with Gen Z consumers and how they are driving cultural shifts; for example, Emma describes how younger generations engage in employee activism and are beginning to hold their employers accountable for social values. She observes that relatively new platforms like TikTok and Clubhouse are evolving quickly which presents adaptation challenges for brands. Finally, we discuss value-based marketing where some brands pursue non-linear approaches in order to pleasantly surprise consumers and "future proof" their messaging for the long term. Full show notes with resources Guest Bio: Emma Chiu leads Wunderman Thompson Intelligence, the agency's in-house futures and innovation think-tank. Emma consults with brands on how to build long-term strategies based on qualitative and quantitative insight that incorporates cultural and behavioral change, sector innovation and zeitgeist shifts. Emma spearheaded the launch of the Wunderman Thompson Intelligence "Future 100" Report, which helps people prepare for emerging consumer behavior with 100 original trend predictions from Wunderman Thompson Intelligence. Split into 10 categories, each trend delivers a digestible snapshot of movements so far, while clearly explaining why brands and marketers should pay attention. Emma's foresight and thought leadership has been picked up by global publications and has been featured in The Telegraph, Creative Review, New York Magazine, Dazed Digital and Vogue. She is also a member of the WARC Awards 2020 judging panel and The International Color Awards 2020 judging panel. In addition, Emma regularly speaks at international conferences including SXSW Interactive, Adobe Max and Pause Fest. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn.

During this episode, Mr. August Cole discusses fictional intelligence (or FICINT) and how it can help leaders understand emerging concepts such as the cognitive warfighting domain. August observes that plausible fictionalized future scenarios which are rooted in academic research communicate to leaders and decision makers better than do white papers and powerpoint slides. He also emphasizes the importance of experimentation and stress testing ideas. One of August's primary goals with his writing is to use FICINT and narrative to prevent strategic surprise. Link to full show notes Bio: August Cole is an author exploring the future of conflict through fiction and other forms of Fictional Intelligence storytelling (also known as "FICINT"). His talks, short stories, and workshops have taken him from speaking at the Nobel Institute in Oslo to presenting at SXSW Interactive. With Peter W. Singer, he is the co-author of the best-seller "Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War" and "Burn In: A Novel of the Real Robotic Revolution". August is also a non-resident fellow at the Brute Krulak Center for Innovation and Creativity at Marine Corps University and a non-resident senior fellow at the Scowcroft Center on Strategy and Security at the Atlantic Council. IPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn.

During this episode, Dr. Greg Treverton, who was the Director of the National Intelligence Council during the second Obama Administration, provides an Intelligence Community perspective on the information problem. Our wide ranging conversation covers findings contained in the 2017 Global Trends Report including vivid warnings about disease and climate-related national security matters. Greg has also written extensively about data governance and how data should be at the very top of our management concerns going forward. The episode concludes with a discussion about patriotism, shared responsibility, and and #wholeofsociety efforts designed to counter threats to democracy. Link to show notes Bio: Dr. Gregory Treverton is the Chair of the Global TechnoPolitics Forum. He stepped down as chairman of the National Intelligence Council in January 2017. He is a senior adviser with the Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and a professor of the practice of international relations and Spatial Sciences at the University of Southern California. Earlier, he directed the RAND Corporation's Center for Global Risk and Security and before that its Intelligence Policy Center and its International Security and Defense Policy Center. Also, he was associate dean of the Pardee RAND Graduate School. He has served in government for the first Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. He has taught at Harvard and Columbia universities, in addition to RAND, been a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, and deputy director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. He holds an AB summa cum laude from Princeton University and a Master's in Public Policy and PhD in economics and politics from Harvard. IPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn.

During this episode, former CIA leader, George Beebe, discusses the nature of wicked problems. The wide ranging discussion covers complex adaptive systems, feedback loops, inadvertent nuclear escalation, leaderless organizations, information access, and extremist radicalization. Link to full show notes and resources Bio: George Beebe is Vice President and Director of Studies at the Center for the National Interest, a foreign affairs think tank. He spent more than two decades in government as an intelligence analyst, diplomat, and policy advisor, including as director of the CIA's Russia analysis and as a staff advisor on Russia matters to Vice President Cheney. Following his government service, he became president of a technology company that measured audience response to events, issues, and commercial brands. His book, The Russia Trap: How Our Shadow War with Russia Could Spiral into Nuclear Catastrophe, examines how new game-changing technology, disappearing rules of the game, and distorted perceptions on both sides have locked Moscow and Washington into a dangerous escalatory spiral that neither side recognizes. IPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn.