All Quiet on the Second Front

In this episode of All Quiet, former combat tech turned CEO and Founder of Darkhive, John Goodson, joins Tyler Sweatt to delve into the critical interplay between real-world military operations and the forefront of defense technology. With insights gained on the frontlines and in the tech lab, John discusses the critical importance of creating technologies that truly support soldiers in combat scenarios - because no one wants to deal with a software update while under enemy fire. Reflecting on the intersection of robust tech and real-world military needs, this discussion explores the essential balance of innovation and practical application in the heat of battle. What’s Happening on the Second FrontWhy "good on paper" doesn’t always mean "good under fire"How real-world combat experience shapes the future of defense technologyThe pros and cons of open-source vs. proprietary tech in defenseWhat would happen if soldiers could choose their own tech? John has some ideasConnect with JohnLinkedIn: John GoodsonConnect with TylerLinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt

Episode 78. In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, host Tyler Sweatt is joined by Saj Huq from Plexal, a key player at the forefront of defense and security innovation. As a former pilot in the UK Royal Air Force and a veteran in the tech industry, Saj brings a wealth of experience to the table. Dive into a discussion on how Plexal is creating impactful ecosystems by bridging gaps between government, industry, and academia. This episode explores the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of national security and private sector innovation, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration and the roles different sectors play in enhancing global security and economic prosperity. What’s Happening on the Second Front: How Plexal is fostering ecosystems that merge government, industry, and academia.Critical contributions of private innovation to national security.The strategic roles of alliances like AUKUS and NATO in enhancing global security.How reducing access barriers can increase sector-wide participation in defense and security.Exploring the link between economic stability and national security for a resilient nation.Connect with SajLinkedIn: Saj HuqConnect with TylerLinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt

Episode 77. On this episode of All Quiet, host Tyler Sweatt sits down with Michael Brasseur, Chief Strategy Officer of Saab and GM at Skapa. Discover Michael's seamless shift from a distinguished naval career, with tours in the White House, Pentagon, and NATO and founding Task Force 59, to leading a cutting edge transformational task force in the private sector. They delve into the creation of Saab’s Skapa, an initiative to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies and solutions. This discussion not only sheds light on the complexities of transforming large-scale operations but also on how to cultivate a culture that embraces innovation. Michael's insights on leadership, team-building, and strategic problem-solving offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to make a significant impact in their field.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Strategic thinking behind major defense innovationsEffective leadership and team-building in high-stakes environmentsIntegrating AI and robotics to solving operational defense problemsThe "Skapa Innovation Flywheel" and its real-world applicationsConnect with Michael:LinkedIn: Michael BrasseurConnect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt

Episode 76. Join us on this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front as guest host Enrique Oti welcomes Paul Asadoorian, Principal Security Researcher at Eclypsium. During this episode, they dive into the often overlooked world of firmware security, exploring how vulnerabilities at this foundational level pose significant risks not just to our military and national security, but also to healthcare, food supply chains, and more. Discover how Paul's work seeks to transform the precarious nature of trust in our digital components into a more secure reality, ensuring the integrity of the devices we depend on every day.What’s happening on the Second Front: Firmware security risks and vulnerabilitiesTransforming false trust into true securityBalancing and operationalizing security & complianceConnect with Paul:LinkedIn: Paul AsadoorianConnect with Enrique: LinkedIn: Enrique Oti

Join Tyler Sweatt on this week’s episode of All Quiet on the Second Front as he sits down with Mamie Cruse, VP of Partnerships at Second Front Systems. Dive into the intricacies of forming effective partnerships that go beyond traditional transactional frameworks to create an all-boats-rise framework. Get insights into the strategic use of partnerships as a lever for growth and the challenges of aligning partnership goals with organizational missions.What’s Happening on the Second FrontFostering mutual growth and success beyond the pipeline, for end-users, partners and the companyNavigating the challenges of early-stage growth and strategies for sustainable developmentBalancing creative ideation and operational execution within partnershipsConnect with MamieLinkedIn: Mamie CruseConnect with TylerLinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt

Episode 61. What if a startup could revolutionize U.S. Air Force operations by applying fintech principles to defense tech? In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, TJ Rowe, Chief Revenue Officer at Second Front, sits down with Arun Nair, CEO and Founder of OpsLab. In this special customer spotlight episode, Arun discusses his transition from fintech to defense tech, focusing on solving air mobility challenges for the Department of Defense. Discover how Ops Lab is transforming air mobility and setting new standards for defense technology.What’s Happening on the Second FrontIntegrating commercial technology into military applicationsThe role of end-user feedback in developing defense solutionsChallenges and strategies for rapid deploymentThe importance of partnerships in scaling defense technologyOps Lab’s plans for broader deployment across military branchesConnect with ArunLinkedIn: Arun NairConnect with TJLinkedin: TJ Rowe

TJ Rowe, CRO of Second Front Systems, guest hosts an engaging episode of All Quiet on the Second Front with Andrew Powell, CEO of Learn To Win. This customer spotlight episode explores Learn To Win's journey from pioneering sports learning technology to mastering defense applications. The company utilizes the synergy of learning technology and data science to revolutionize training methods, benefiting both elite athletes and military personnel. Dive into the conversation about the hurdles and triumphs in achieving product-market fit and the innovative strategies employed by Learn to Win to scale in the defense sector.What’s Happening on the Second Front:The evolution from sports to defense and the adoption of dual-use technologyHow sports analytics are repurposed for defense applications, enhancing tactical readiness and operational effectivenessThe complexities of expanding a technology business within the defense landscape.The role of strategic collaborations in accelerating Learn to Win’s impact and reach across defense marketsConnect with AndrewLinkedin: Andrew PowellConnect with TJLinkedIn: TJ Rowe

In this engaging discussion, Schuyler Moore, Chief Technology Officer at CENTCOM, shares her insights from navigating tech legislation to pioneering advancements in military operations. She highlights the innovative Task Force 59 and the impactful Desert Guardian project aimed at countering UAS threats. The conversation delves into the cultural shifts at CENTCOM boosting tech adoption and the importance of user-centric design in high-stakes environments. Schuyler emphasizes collaboration and sustainable practices as key drivers for future success in national security technology.

Dr. Courtney Crosby, an expert in AI special missions at Booz Allen Hamilton, shares insights on the intersection of AI and defense strategies. She discusses the complexities of integrating advanced technologies in military operations and the importance of cognitive science in decision-making. The conversation highlights the need for adaptive innovation amid technological uncertainties. Moreover, Dr. Crosby advocates for embracing user-centered design in defense tech and the cultural shifts necessary to navigate societal fears around AI in warfare.

Episode 70. In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, guest host Enrique Oti discusses the dynamic intersection of entrepreneurship and cybersecurity with Jeremy Vaughan, CEO of Start Left. They explore Jeremy’s entrepreneurial path and how it led him to prioritize robust security in tech development. The conversation spans from Jeremy's motivations and the foundational strategies of Start Left to the broader challenges facing startups in integrating advanced security measures. Tune in to hear how personal experiences and industry demands shape the development of innovative, secure tech solutions.What’s Happening on the Second Front:• Personal and professional factors driving entrepreneurs towards innovative security solutions• Impact of early and integrated security measures on the success and sustainability of tech startups• Ongoing challenges and strategies in cultivating a security-first culture within fast-growing tech enterprises• Practical insights on how startups can navigate and influence the evolving cybersecurity landscapeConnect with Jeremy:• LinkedIn: Jeremy VaughanConnect with Enrique:• LinkedIn: Enrique Oti• Website: Second Front